Ah, Lima, Ohio. A place that, if it were a person, would likely be wearing a perpetually stained flannel and nursing a lukewarm coffee, contemplating the crushing mediocrity of it all. But then again, aren't we all, in our own way?
Lima, Ohio
Lima, a city nestled in the heart of Allen County, Ohio, is the kind of place that exists. It was officially founded in 1831, a year that apparently involved a significant amount of land surrendering and relocating. As of the last census, the numbers tell a story of 35,579 souls, each presumably navigating their own unique brand of existence within its borders. It claims the title of county seat, a designation that, while official, doesn't exactly scream prestige. Geographically, it’s situated in northwest Ohio, a region that conjures images of flat fields and an endless sky, bisected by the utilitarian ribbon of Interstate 75. It's roughly equidistant from the more ambitious cities of Dayton and Toledo, and a stone's throw from Fort Wayne, Indiana. The Lima metropolitan area, a collection of souls and structures, numbered around 102,000 in 2020, a number that suggests a certain level of collective inertia. And then there's the Lima Army Tank Plant, now known as the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center, a monument to industrial might and the singular purpose of producing the M1 Abrams tank. It’s a place that makes things, which is more than can be said for many.
History
Establishment
Before Lima was Lima, it was the domain of the Shawnee people. The land, after the dust settled from the American Revolution, was theirs, at least for a while. The Treaty of Greenville in 1794 solidified their presence, and by 1817, they had a reservation, a patch of land carved out for them in what would become Allen and Auglaize counties. This reservation, however, was a temporary reprieve. In 1831, the Shawnee were compelled to relinquish their claims, a familiar narrative in the expansion of the United States, and were moved westward to Kansas. This cleared the path for settlers, and the Ohio legislature, with its usual bureaucratic efficiency, established Allen County and mandated the creation of a county seat. The name chosen was "Lima."
The choice of "Lima" is itself a curious footnote. It's said to be named after Lima, Peru, a distant capital city. The reasoning? Peru’s capital was a significant source of quinine, a crucial anti-malaria drug, particularly relevant in the marshy, mosquito-ridden terrain of the Great Black Swamp that once dominated the region. It’s a rather poetic, if indirect, connection for a city that would later be defined by steel and industry.
19th Century
Lima's establishment as the governmental nucleus of Allen County in 1831 was followed by the predictable accretion of civic life. The first courthouse, a symbol of nascent order, was erected in that inaugural year. By 1832, the first schoolhouse appeared, a testament to the belief in education, however rudimentary. Dr. William Cunningham, Lima's inaugural physician, arrived in 1831, a practical necessity for any burgeoning community. The first newspaper, a vital conduit for information and opinion, followed in 1836. Lima officially incorporated as a city in 1842, with Henry DeVilliers Williams assuming the mantle of its first mayor. The first public school opened its doors in 1850, signaling a more formal commitment to education. The arrival of the first train in 1854 was a harbinger of economic transformation, a metallic serpent promising connection and commerce.
The specter of disease, however, was also a recurring theme. A severe cholera outbreak in nearby Delphos in 1854 cast a pall over the region, highlighting the critical need for adequate sanitation. It wasn't until 1886 that Lima addressed its water supply issues with a municipal water system.
Lima’s industrial roots began to sprout early. The Lima Agricultural Works commenced operations in 1869, a company that would morph and adapt over the years. In 1882, under the banner of Lima Machine Works, it produced the first Shay-geared locomotive, a specialized engine designed for challenging terrain.
The discovery of oil in 1885, ignited by the search for natural gas by Lima businessman Benjamin C. Faurot at his paper mill, catapulted the city into the oil industry. This discovery, though the initial well didn't yield fortunes, triggered a boom that attracted the behemoth Standard Oil to the area. For a decade, Lima’s oil field reigned as the largest in the United States.
This economic surge fueled a cultural blossoming. Benjamin Faurot’s Opera House, a nationally recognized venue, opened in 1882, and even influenced architectural trends in New York. By 1907, Lima boasted its first movie theater, a nod to the burgeoning world of cinema.
Early 20th Century
The dawn of the 20th century saw Lima emerge as a player in the nascent automotive industry. Benjamin A. Gramm and Max Bernstein, partners in the Gramm-Bernstein Company, were pioneers in the motor truck sector. Gramm’s innovation, the "Liberty truck", played a significant role in the Allied war effort during World War I, earning a presidential welcome upon its arrival in Washington, D.C.
Post-war, Lima's growth trajectory lagged behind the state and the nation. The city experimented with governmental reforms, adopting a commission system in 1921, which included the appointment of a city manager, a progressive attempt at professional administration. However, this era also witnessed the troubling rise of the Ku Klux Klan, with Lima serving as a hub for the violent Black Legion. A KKK parade in 1923 reportedly drew a staggering 100,000 spectators, a chilling display of organized intolerance.
Industrially, the 1920s were a period of expansion. Lima Locomotive Works, Inc. unveiled the "Lima A-1" in 1925, a revolutionary steam locomotive that became a prototype for modern designs. The company also diversified, creating the Ohio Power Shovel Company. In 1927, John E. Galvin co-founded the Superior Coach Company, which would ascend to become the world's leading producer of school and funeral buses. By 1930, eight railroad companies serviced Lima, a testament to its status as a transportation nexus.
Despite the economic hardships of the Great Depression, Allen County's population grew at a pace exceeding the state average. In 1933, Lima revisited its governmental structure, opting for a "strong mayor" model. Even amidst the economic downturn, the community rallied to fund a new hospital, Lima Memorial Hospital, which opened on Memorial Day, 1933.
The decade also saw its share of illicit activity. In 1933, the notorious gangster John Dillinger was incarcerated in the Allen County Jail, awaiting transfer for robbing a bank in Bluffton. His dramatic escape, which resulted in the death of Sheriff Jess Sarber, cemented his place on the FBI's ten most wanted list. The Brady Gang also left their mark, robbing a local jewelry store twice in 1936.
Industrial expansion slowed during the Depression, with industrial employment halving by 1934. However, new industries emerged, such as Westinghouse's Small Motor Division in 1935. The Ohio Steel Foundry navigated the challenging economic landscape and experienced growth. The 1930s also marked a significant period of labor organizing, with at least fifty labor unions representing workers by 1940.
World War II brought a surge in production and population to Lima, but the end of the war saw a significant economic recalibration as industries shifted back to peacetime manufacturing. The Lima Army Tank Plant, established in 1941, became a crucial facility for producing military vehicles, including tanks like the M5 light tank and the T-26 Pershing tank. At its wartime peak, the plant, now operated by General Dynamics, employed over 5,000 people.
Late 20th Century to Present
The post-war decades saw continued expansion in healthcare and education. St. Rita's Hospital underwent significant additions in 1948, and the 1950s witnessed the construction of new elementary schools and a centralized Lima Senior High School. Industrial output remained robust, with the Lima Tank Depot resuming manufacturing during the Korean War at an expanded capacity.
The 1960s brought both growth and social unrest. A new airport opened in Perry Township in 1962, and the city implemented an income tax in 1966 to fund infrastructure, including a new police department facility. The Ohio State University established a regional campus in Lima. Decades of civil rights struggles, particularly the fight to desegregate the Schoonover Park swimming pool in the 1950s, continued to simmer, erupting into further unrest in the 1960s and 1970s.
A major crude oil pipeline rupture in south Lima in January 1969 unleashed 77,000 gallons of oil into the city's sewer system, causing explosions and evacuations. Governor Jim Rhodes deployed the Ohio National Guard to restore order. Further conflict arose in August 1970 following the fatal shooting of a Black woman by police, leading to another call for the National Guard and a declaration of a state of emergency.
The latter half of the 20th century saw Lima grappling with the decline of the "Rust Belt". Several key industries departed, and passenger rail service dwindled. The iconic Baltimore and Ohio Railroad's "Cincinnatian" made its final stop in 1971. Many passenger services, once the lifeblood of intercity travel, were eventually phased out or absorbed by Amtrak until a significant downgrade in 1991. The closure of Superior Coach Company in 1981, followed by Clark Equipment, Airfoil Textron, and Sundstrand, resulted in the loss of over 8,000 jobs by the mid-1990s. Lima's population, which had peaked in the 1970s, saw a steady decline, falling to 45,000 by 1999. The city's struggles and its attempts at reinvention were poignantly captured in the PBS documentary Lost in Middle America.
Geography
Lima occupies a total area of 13.80 square miles (35.74 km 2 ), with a negligible portion dedicated to water. The Ottawa River, locally known by its historical name "Hog Creek," winds its way through the city. This name echoes the presence of the Shawnee community that predated Lima's formal establishment, a reminder of the land's original inhabitants before their removal.
Climate
Lima experiences a Humid continental climate (Köppen: Dfa), characterized by four distinct seasons. The data below, compiled from NOAA and the National Weather Service, provides a detailed look at temperature and precipitation patterns.
[Climate data table for Lima, Ohio]
Demographics
Lima’s demographic history, as reflected in census data, shows a period of rapid growth in its early years, followed by fluctuations. The 2020 census recorded a population of 35,579, a decrease from previous decades. The percentage of college graduates stands at a modest 9.5%. Notably, the city has grappled with a high crime rate, ranking among the highest per capita for its size in Ohio.
2010 Census The 2010 census reported 38,771 residents, with a population density of 2,857.1 per square mile. The racial composition was predominantly White (67.1%), followed by African American (26.4%), with smaller percentages of other races. The median age was 32.9 years, and the gender distribution was slightly skewed towards males.
2000 Census In 2000, Lima's population was 40,081. The racial makeup was similar to 2010, with White individuals forming the largest group. The median household income was $27,067, and nearly 23% of the population lived below the poverty line.
Economy
Oil
Lima's economic narrative is inextricably linked to the discovery of oil in 1885, an event that ignited the "Oil Boom of Northwest Ohio." While Findlay, Ohio, experienced the initial gas discoveries, Benjamin C. Faurot's drilling for water or gas at his paper mill led to the serendipitous discovery of oil. This spurred the formation of the Trenton Rock Oil Company and the proliferation of wells throughout the region. The influx of oil attracted Standard Oil, which established the Solar Refinery in Lima to process the region's "sour crude," a sulfur-rich oil that initially posed refining challenges. The efforts of John Van Dyke and Standard's chemist Herman Frasch eventually solved the distillation issue, making the gamble on pipelines and storage facilities profitable.
Despite the eventual decline of the Lima oil field, marked by the discovery of the massive Spindletop gusher in Texas in 1901, the Lima Refinery persisted. It has operated for over 125 years under a succession of owners, including Standard Oil of Ohio, BP, and most recently Husky Energy. Between 1887 and 1905, the Lima Oil Field yielded an impressive 300 million barrels of oil, a significant contribution to the nation's energy supply.
Railroads
For much of its history, Lima's identity was forged by its deep connection to railroads. As a vital Midwestern rail hub, it was also home to the Lima Locomotive Works, whose engines bore the city's name across the globe. The first locomotive arrived in 1854, fueling the construction of the county's first railroad. By the early 20th century, railroad shops were a major employer, and Lima was a central point for an extensive interurban electric railway network.
Famous passenger trains, such as the Nickel Plate Road's "Clover Leaf Commercial Traveler" and the Erie Railroad's "Erie Limited" and "Lake Cities", made stops in Lima. The city was served by multiple rail lines, including the Pennsylvania Railroad and the Baltimore & Ohio.
The advent of the Great Depression led to a decline in passenger service, with electric interurban lines ceasing operations in 1937. While World War II provided a temporary boost, passenger service diminished significantly in the 1950s and 1960s. The last passenger train to stop in Lima was Amtrak's Broadway Limited on November 11, 1990. Today, freight remains the primary rail activity, with companies like CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Railway serving the area.
Lima Locomotive Works
The Lima Locomotive Works, affectionately known as "the Loco," began in 1869 as the Lima Agricultural Works. It evolved from manufacturing agricultural equipment to producing steam power and sawmill machinery. In 1878, it designed its first narrow-gauge steam locomotive and soon after began manufacturing the specialized Shay locomotive, designed by Ephraim Shay. By 1882, locomotives became the company's primary product. Formally named Lima Locomotive Works in 1916, it produced 2,761 Shay locomotives, distributed widely across the United States and internationally.
In 1925, Lima introduced its influential "super power" design, a testament to mechanical engineer William E. Woodard's innovations in steam efficiency. The plant also produced other notable locomotives, including the massive Chesapeake and Ohio Railway 2-6-6-6 and the elegant Southern Pacific "Daylights." Beyond locomotives, the works manufactured railroad cars and, during World War II, 1,655 Sherman tanks. Employment at the plant fluctuated, peaking at 4,300 in 1944.
Post-war mergers led to the formation of Lima-Hamilton Corporation in 1947 and Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton in 1950. The last steam locomotive, Nickel Plate No. 779, was delivered in 1949, and is now displayed in Lima's Lincoln Park. After ceasing locomotive production, the plant continued to manufacture cranes and road-building equipment before closing permanently in 1981. The former site has since been razed.
Arts and Culture
The Lima Symphony Orchestra was established in January 1953, making its debut performance in May 1954. The city boasts twenty-four buildings and one historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Allen County Courthouse and the post office.
Sports
Lima is home to the Lima Warriors, a semi-pro American football team, and the collegiate summer baseball team, the Lima Locos. The city also supports collegiate athletics through UNOH and OSU Lima, and has recently become home to the Ohio Extreme, a professional indoor soccer team.
Government
Lima's mayoral history includes Harry J. Moyer, who served from 1974 to 1985, and David J. Berger, who held the office from 1989 to 2021. In November 2021, Sharetta Smith was sworn in as mayor. Federally, Lima is part of Ohio's 4th congressional district, represented by Republican Jim Jordan.
Education
Higher education in Lima is represented by the private University of Northwestern Ohio, the public Ohio State University at Lima, and James A. Rhodes State College. Secondary education is provided by institutions such as Lima Senior High School and Lima Central Catholic High School.
Media
Lima is served by the daily newspaper, The Lima News, which also covers surrounding counties. It is considered the second-smallest television market in Ohio, served by local stations affiliated with major networks like NBC, ABC, and CBS. The area has a robust radio presence with 22 FM and 3 AM stations.
Infrastructure
Roads
Lima is a key junction for state routes 309, 65, 81, and 117. Interstate 75, a major north-south artery, skirts the city's eastern edge, having replaced the historic U.S. Route 25 and the Dixie Highway. U.S. Route 30 runs east-west a short distance to the north.
Healthcare
Lima has long served as a regional medical center. Its two main hospitals, St. Rita's Medical Center and Lima Memorial Health System, are significant employers and provide critical care to a ten-county area. St. Rita's, a level 2 trauma center, underwent a major expansion and is now known as Mercy Health St. Rita's Medical Center. Lima Memorial Health System, tracing its origins to 1899, also operates as a level 2 trauma center. Historically, Lima also housed institutions like the Ottawa Valley Hospital, dedicated to tuberculosis treatment, and the Lima State Hospital, initially for the criminally insane, which later transitioned into a medium-security prison. The Lima Rescue Mission, founded in 1906, continues to provide essential support to the community's vulnerable populations.
Notable People
Lima has been the birthplace or adopted home of a diverse array of individuals, including actors like Tanner Buchanan and Maidie Norman, musicians such as Al Jardine of The Beach Boys and jazz saxophonist Joe Henderson, and athletes like professional football player Ben Roethlisberger. Notable figures in politics, science, and the arts also hail from or have strong ties to Lima, including Nobel laureate William Alfred Fowler.
In Popular Culture
The fictional William McKinley High School in the television series Glee was set in Lima, although filmed elsewhere. The city was also the subject of the 1999 documentary Lost in Middle America. The fictional killer of Buckwheat in Saturday Night Live sketches was reportedly from Lima, and the character Catherine Banning in the film The Thomas Crown Affair hailed from the city.
Sister Cities
Lima's Sister Cities Association, established in 1995, currently lists Harima, Hyōgo, Japan, as its designated sister city, with other projects in development.