Westgate (Columbus, Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Westgate
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Neighborhood of Columbus
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Westgate Neighborhood Entrance
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| Country | United States |
| State | Ohio |
| County | Franklin |
| City | Columbus |
Westgate is a friendly community located in the Hilltop area of Columbus, Ohio. It sits about 4 miles (6.4 km) west of downtown Columbus. This neighborhood has a cool history, built partly on land that was once a Civil War camp and prison.
Today, Westgate is home to about 4,500 people, mostly living in single-family houses. You'll find Westgate Park, schools, and churches here. In 2008, The Columbus Dispatch newspaper even called Westgate one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Columbus!
Westgate is bordered by W. Broad Street to the north, Wilson Road to the west, Sullivant Avenue to the south, and Hague to the east.
Contents
Westgate's Past: A Look at Its History
Camp Chase: A Civil War Story
A big part of Westgate was once a place called Camp Chase during the American Civil War. This camp opened in 1861. It was first used to train soldiers for the Union Army. The camp was named after Salmon P. Chase, who was a governor of Ohio.
Later, Camp Chase became a prison camp for captured Confederate soldiers. It started with 250 prisoners but grew much larger. At its biggest, it could hold over 9,000 men! The camp closed on July 5, 1865, after the war ended.
Camp Chase Cemetery: Honoring the Past
The only part of Camp Chase that remains today is its cemetery. This cemetery is one of just two Civil War sites left in Columbus. People have held memorial services here since 1895 to remember the soldiers.
The headstones you see were placed between 1906 and 1908. They represent those who died, but they don't mark individual graves. Each year, people gather for an annual "bean dinner" near the cemetery. This event started in the 1930s to honor the soldiers. The Hilltop Historical Society also holds a memorial service with reenactment soldiers. The cemetery is now a National Historic Place.
Quaker Dreams: A Community Plan
After the Civil War, a group of Quakers wanted to buy land in the Hilltop area. They hoped to create their own Quaker settlement there. In 1870, five Quaker men visited the land and decided it was perfect.
They bought 463.5 acres on January 23, 1872. Many important Quakers moved to the area, like John Cowgill and William H. Harris. You might notice that many streets in Westgate today are named after these early Quaker settlers!
Westgate's Beginnings: How the Neighborhood Grew
In 1905, the land that was once Camp Chase and later bought by the Quakers was sold again. This time, it was sold to a real estate company. They divided the land into smaller plots for houses.
Building homes started in the 1920s. By the middle of the 1920s, Westgate became known as one of Columbus's "streetcar suburbs." This meant people could easily travel to and from downtown using streetcars.
Westgate's Special Places: Parks, Churches, and More
Westgate Park: Fun for Everyone
Westgate Park is a large 46.3-acre park right in the middle of the neighborhood. It's a great place to visit! The park has a pond where you can fish and a fun playground. There are also picnic areas, a walking trail, and a wooded spot to explore.
The Westgate Shelterhouse is a big building in the park. You can reserve it for parties or events. It has heating, air conditioning, a kitchen, and space for up to 180 people.
Westgate Community Recreation Center: Stay Active
The Westgate Community Recreation Center is a fantastic place to be active. Inside, it has rooms for art, crafts, and dance. There's also a fitness room, a game room, and a big gym. Outside, you'll find fields and courts for tennis, basketball, baseball, soccer, and football.
Local Churches: Community Hubs
Westgate has several churches that are important to the community. Westgate United Methodist Church is located on South Powell Avenue. It has been holding weekly services since 1927.
Parkview United Methodist Church is also a central part of the neighborhood. It's located just north of Westgate Park. This church was built in 1941 and was a key part of the neighborhood's original design.
Westgate Events: Fun Throughout the Year
Summer Jam West: Music and Art Festival
Summer Jam West is a free arts and music festival held every year in Westgate Park. It happens on the second Saturday in July. You can enjoy live bands, buy local art, and find handmade items. There's also free face painting and an art zone for kids! It's a great way to bring art and music to the Hilltop area.
Hilltop Bean Dinner: A Community Meal
The Hilltop Bean Dinner is an annual event held in late June. The community gathers in Westgate Park to share a meal. This event also features music, art vendors, and classic car shows. It's a popular event that brings many people to the Westgate and Hilltop area.
Westgate Home and Garden Tour
If you love looking at beautiful homes and gardens, you can enjoy the Westgate Home and Garden Tour. It takes place on the second Saturday in June.
Westgate Farmers Market
The Westgate Farmers Market is held on the first and third Saturdays of each month. You can find fresh produce and local goods from June through October at the West Gate Masonic Lodge.
Learning in Westgate: Local Schools
Westgate Alternative Elementary School
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Westgate Alternative Elementary School is a public school for students from kindergarten through 5th grade. It is located on Wicklow Road. The school's goal is to help every student become well-educated and ready for success.
Saint Mary Magdalene School
Saint Mary Magdalene School is a private elementary school. It teaches students from kindergarten through 8th grade. The school was started in 1928 and has been teaching students ever since. It has six buildings on its main campus.
West High School
West High School is a public high school for grades 9 through 12. It is located on S Powell Avenue. The school's colors are buff and brown, and its mascot is the cowboy.
Westgate Homes: Unique and Welcoming
Westgate is a very popular neighborhood for people buying their first home. This is because of its good location, attractive style, and affordable prices. In 2008, the average cost of a house in Westgate was around $120,000.
Most homes in Westgate are single-family houses owned by the people who live in them. Many houses are in a "cottage style" with 2 or 3 bedrooms. They are usually no taller than two stories. Many homes have brick or plaster on the outside and roofs with multiple peaks. This design gives the neighborhood a cozy and unique feel.
Residents of Westgate enjoy being able to use original and creative designs for their homes and yards. The neighborhood is known for its friendly, family-focused atmosphere. Westgate attracts a diverse group of people, often young and middle-class.
The Westgate Neighbors' Association is a group formed in 2008 by residents. They work together to make the neighborhood an even better place to live. Westgate is a charming, unique neighborhood that offers many benefits to its residents.
Gallery
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Reservoir in Westgate Park
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Water tower in Westgate Park
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Memorial placard
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Parkview United Methodist Church
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Westgate Park
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Westgate Neighborhood Sign
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House in Westgate
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Sanborn map of South East Westgate
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Sanborn map of North Central Westgate
