This Little Town In Ohio Has The Oldest Concrete Street In America
🚧 Discover the small Ohio town with a BIG claim to fame: the oldest concrete street in America! It’s worth a selfie! 🏆 #Bellefontaine #OhioHistory #ConcreteInnovation #RoadTrip
Bellefontaine, Ohio – In the heart of the Buckeye State lies a small town with a big claim to fame. Bellefontaine, Ohio, a charming community of about 14,000 people, is home to the oldest concrete street in America. This historic thoroughfare, known as Court Avenue, has been a source of pride for the town’s residents for over a century.
A Quintessential Ohio Town
Nestled just an hour north of Columbus, Bellefontaine is your typical small Ohio town. Its delightful downtown district is lined with historic buildings and locally owned shops, giving the area a quaint and inviting atmosphere. The town’s history is on full display, with landmarks like St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, the Logan County Courthouse, and the Holland Theatre standing as testaments to its rich past.
The Man Behind the Concrete
The story of America’s oldest concrete street begins with a man named George Bartholemew. Back in 1893, Bartholemew had a revolutionary idea. He convinced the Bellefontaine City Council to try something that had never been done before in the United States: pave a street with smooth cement.
At the time, the concept of using this unfamiliar mixture called “concrete” for paving streets was unheard of. But Bartholemew’s vision and persuasiveness won over the council, and Court Avenue, which borders the county courthouse, became the first concrete street in the nation.
A Street Like No Other
Today, Court Avenue remains a point of pride for Bellefontaine. While you can no longer drive on the historic street itself, you can still find the Court Avenue street sign near the courthouse, serving as a reminder of the town’s groundbreaking past.
Interestingly, Court Avenue isn’t Bellefontaine’s only superlative street. The town also boasts the world’s shortest street, McKinley Street, which measures just 15 feet long! And in a fitting tribute to Bartholemew’s legacy, McKinley Street is also paved with concrete.
A Small Town with a Big Legacy
Bellefontaine may be a small Ohio town, but its impact on American history is anything but small. The community’s pride in its unique legacy is palpable, with residents celebrating their town’s place in the annals of American innovation.
So the next time you find yourself driving through Ohio, consider making a detour to Bellefontaine. Take a stroll down Court Avenue and McKinley Street, and marvel at the ingenuity and determination that made this little town a trailblazer in the world of concrete. Snap a pic, it’s definitely worth a selfie!
🗣 Have you been here before, or is Bellefontaine on your Ohio travel bucket list? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
