Worthington, Ohio

Worthington was settled in 1803 by several New England families from the Farmington River Valley of Connecticut and Massachusetts, under the leadership of pioneer businessman James Kilbourne. In 1802, Kilbourne organized a group of men to form the Scioto Company and headed west from Granby, Connecticut to explore and find land to create a new community. With help from his friend, ThomasWorthington, Kilbourne purchased 16,000 acres of land on behalf of the Scioto Company for $1.25 an acre. When Kilbourne returned to New England, he planned the layout for the village. He platted a New England-type village of 164 lots around a central public square, which was designated for religious and educational purposes, as well as a spot for community gatherings.

In September 1803, eleven families left their Connecticut homes and traveled by wagon train to their new home in Ohio. It took six weeks for the families to travel the 600 miles to their new home, arriving in October of 1803. They named their new village Worthington, in honor of Thomas Worthington, one of Ohio’s first senators and a future governor of Ohio, for his assistance in locating the tract of land that would become Worthington.

In 2003, Worthington celebrated its Bicentennial with a number of spectacular signature events, including a cross-state recreation of the Wagon Train that brought settlers to Worthington and an elegant costume ball, where attendees dressed in period costume, and enjoyed food, dancing and entertainment reminiscent of the early 1800’s. Throughout the year-long Bicentennial, Worthington residents honored the foresight of the community’s founders, who settled Worthington based on the values that still hold true today.

Today, Worthington’s strong community spirit and excellent quality of life serve as the solid foundation for people of all ages, businesses, their employees and families.

 Education, a founding tenet of the city, remains a hallmark of Worthington. Its school district serves over 9,000 students and consistently earns the highest ratings on the State’s school district report cards. Its student-focused educational programs are continuously recognized as some of the best in the state.

 Worthingtonis also home to a nationally recognized library system with two branches to serve the community, numerous churches and religious congregations and safe neighborhoods with tree-lined streets.

 The Worthington arts community includes a number of theater, choral and visual arts groups. The Worthington Arts Council sponsors arts-related activities, shows and events throughout the year. The community is in the process of planning for the construction of the Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center of Worthington, which will house the arts council and be the home to many arts-related programs, performances and groups.

 The City of Worthington recognizes the value of good health and fitness and has responded to the needs and expectations of the community by expanding the Worthington Community Center into a spectacular family oriented, state-of-the-art facility complete with an aquatic complex and fitness center. The Center includes 2 pools, a leisure pool for family fun and a lap pool for exercise and swimming lessons, a state-of-the-art fitness center, 2 basketball courts, art rooms and many other amenities.

 In addition, Worthington is home to the Health Worthington Coalition, a volunteer organization dedicated to personal health in body, mind and spirit. Healthy Worthington conducts a number of programs each year to promote wellness of the people who live and work in the Worthington community.

 The Unique Shopping and Strolling Experience

Although founded two centuries ago, the city’s elegantly restored shops and eateries still draw crowds with their small-town charm. Shops such as Curio Cabinet, Wren House and Worthington Jewelers line the scenic streets. Scottie MacBean Coffee Roasters roasts its delicious coffee on site and tour groups are welcome. Visit LaChatelaine French Bakery and Cafe’ for a true French experience. The historic Worthington Inn features a gourmet dining experience in its award-winning restaurant. The Old Bag of Nails is a friendly pub known for its fish and chips. Outdoor dining is available at Old Worthington restaurants during the summer months. The Worthington Square mall , located at State Route 23 and I-270, offers the perfect mall experience with many specialty stores for shoppers.

 Old Worthington is host to many events for all ages and interests throughout the year. The Worthington Art Festival is ranked as one of the top 200 arts festivals in the country. Market Day features arts and crafts, pancake breakfasts and lots of outdoor fun. During Worthington’s Farmers’ Markets, farmers bring their fresh produce, plants and crafts out to the sidewalk sale every Saturday morning in May through October. Other events include a tour of homes, antique shows, movies and concerts on the Village Green and an old-fashioned ice cream social.

WORTHINGTON, OHIO