Historic Downtown London Ohio

When the organization of Madison County took place on March 1, 1810, there was no city or village suitable to be selected as a county seat. The General Assembly appointed a commission to choose a site for the seat of justice. They chose a 200 acre tract of land in Union Township belonging to John Murfin. Lots were laid for a new town which the commissioners called London. Soon after the village was platted in the early 1810s, a Methodist church was founded in the community.  Today known as First United Methodist Church, this congregation built a small log church building in 1820; it was London, Ohio's first church.

In 1856 London opened the London Livestock Auction Center. Together with the grain elevators the community grew in population and prosperity.  Census reports state that the town grew to 5,511 population by 1900.

People gathered in London, Ohio for business and pleasure. Proprietor R. W. Burnham opened the Grand Central Hotel, in 1908 to offer visitors well appointed rooms, entertainment options, and elegant meals.

London has served as the community hub for Madison County and continues to grow in a planned and directed manner. The 2000 U.S. census has the official population of London at 8,771. The population for Madison County exceeds 40,000.  Since 1980 land size of London has increased over 70%.

London's rich heritage and sense of history are evident in the completed Downtown Restoration/Revitalization Project.

The recognition of our heritage and history, while evident in the core section of the City, has not deterred the citizens and officials of London from an active vision of the future. Citizens, community leaders and consultants are working together to guide the development of new residential areas and expanded community services, while maintaining London's distinctive character. 

London City School District includes London Elementary School, London Middle School, and London High School. The team mascot is the "Red Raiders" and the team colors are red and white. London High School student enrollment was estimated to be 581 students (2005-2006 data). London Ohio students now enjoy new buildings and a great Athletics Center.

The City of London along with Madison County will be celebrating our 200th anniversary in 2011 with events throughout the year beginning with a March 1, 2011 recognition of the official beginning of London and then kicking off a number of festivities on Memorial day through the Olde Fashioned Christmas with events throughout the county at various times.

Enjoy a photo gallery of Historical London OH. Click here to open the photo gallery. Please note that some information used in this article was supplied by http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London,_Ohio