Wilberforce, Ohio facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wilberforce, Ohio
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Approaching Wilberforce from the northeast
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Location of Wilberforce, Ohio
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| Country | United States |
| State | Ohio |
| County | Greene |
| Township | Xenia |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3.10 sq mi (8.04 km2) |
| • Land | 3.08 sq mi (7.98 km2) |
| • Water | 0.02 sq mi (0.06 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,024 ft (312 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,410 |
| • Density | 782.21/sq mi (302.03/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
45384
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| Area code(s) | 937, 326 |
| FIPS code | 39-85092 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2393859 |
Wilberforce is a small community in Greene County, Ohio, United States. It is called a census-designated place (CDP). In 2020, about 2,410 people lived there.
Contents
History of Wilberforce
Wilberforce is named after William Wilberforce. He was an English leader who worked to end slavery and the slave trade. Wilberforce College was started here in 1856.
Before the American Civil War, this area was a safe place. It was an important stop on the Underground Railroad. This secret network helped enslaved people escape to freedom. Wilberforce had seven "stations" where people could find help.
The Ohio Historical Society runs the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center in Wilberforce. This museum teaches visitors about African American history and culture. The Association of African American Museums is also here. It helps smaller museums grow and improve.
On April 3, 1974, a very strong tornado hit the area. It was part of a huge storm system. The tornado caused a lot of damage in nearby Xenia. It also badly damaged buildings at Wilberforce University and Central State University. A water tower was knocked over. Sadly, 32 people died, and about 1,150 people were hurt.
Where is Wilberforce?
Wilberforce is in the middle of Greene County, Ohio. The city of Xenia is right next to it. Wilberforce is also part of the larger Dayton area.
U.S. Route 42 goes through the community. This road leads southwest about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) to Xenia. It goes northeast about 4.5 miles (7.2 km) to Cedarville. Downtown Dayton is about 19 miles (31 km) west of Wilberforce.
The area of Wilberforce is about 3.1 square miles (8.0 square kilometers). A small part of this, about 0.02 square miles (0.06 square kilometers), is water.
People in Wilberforce
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2020 | 2,410 | — | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2000, there were 1,579 people living in Wilberforce. Most people, about 84%, were African American. About 11% were White. A small number of people were Native American, Asian, or from other backgrounds. About 1% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
The average age of people in Wilberforce was 21 years old. Many young adults aged 18 to 24 lived here. This is because of the universities in the area.
Education in Wilberforce
Wilberforce is home to two important universities. They are both historically black colleges and universities. This means they were founded to educate African American students. These schools are Wilberforce University and Central State University.
Wilberforce University
Wilberforce University started in 1856. It was a joint project between two church groups. In 1863, the African Methodist Episcopal Church bought the college. It became the first college in the United States owned and run by African Americans. Bishop Daniel Payne led this effort and became the first president. Many important teachers have worked there.
One famous person who taught at Wilberforce was Charles Young. He was a graduate of West Point, a top military academy. Young served in the US Army with the Buffalo Soldiers. He was born into slavery but became the highest-ranking African American officer in the US Army for a long time. His old home, Youngsholm, is now a special historic site. It is called the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument.
Another famous graduate is Dorothy Vaughan. She was one of the women featured in the book and movie "Hidden Figures." This story is about African American women who helped NASA with space missions.
Central State University
Central State University began in 1887. It started as a department of Wilberforce University. It offered programs in business, teaching, and industrial skills. In 1947, it became its own separate school. It grew over the years and became a full university in 1965.
See also
In Spanish: Wilberforce (Ohio) para niños
