History of Plain City

Author: Donna Dunmire

Plain City is located on the West bank of Big Darby Creek at the intersection of State Routes 161 and 42. Ideally situated, it is only twenty-five miles northwest of the center of Columbus.

Two Hundred years ago, this area of dense forests, swamps and plains was inhabited by Mingo and Wyandot Indians.

During the Revolutionary War, Jonathan Alder, age eight, was captured in Virginia by the Mingo Indians and transported to Ohio. Here, he spent twenty-five years with the Mingo tribe, mainly among Big Darby Creek. Alder is considered Madison County’s first white settler, and his cabin still remains a historic site near the Foster Chapel Cemetery, on the Plain City – Georgesville Road. It is a reminder of his invaluable service of the area’s other white settlers; namely, Benjamin Springer, Usual Osborn and the Ewing brothers.

A plaque on a boulder just east of Plain City on Route 161 furnishes additional historic data: “Old Indian Trail, blazed by Chief Tecumseh. Later used by pony express and became Post Road. The ground was cleared in 1809 by the well known pioneer, Richard Taylor.”

In 1818, Dr. Isaac Bigelow of Pennsylvania hired a surveyor, David Chapman, to lay out the town of Westminster. In 1823, the name was changed to Pleasant Valley. Finally, in 1872, the name Plain City was approved by the Ohio Legislature.

Dr. Bigelow had the first grocery and dry goods store within the town’s limits. A log building, surrounded by plum and hazel thickets, served as the first hotel for immigrants moving westward. Owned by Clark Provine, it was known as the “Traveller’s Inn.” A small log hut on Lot 14 became the first school with Miss Susan Fudger as teacher.

Worship was an important part of the settlers’ new life here. Soon after their arrival, church meetings were held in the homes until suitable edifices could be erected. Both the Methodist and Presbyterians Churches were organized by circuit riders from the New England states. The First Catholic Church was founded in the 1870’s. Today, nearly, a dozen churches continue the community’s religious heritage.

Growth of the small community was increased in 1853 by the building of the railroad. Many of the Irish laborers remained to become residents of the town. Later, Plain City’s abundant water supply was accidentally discovered by a local company drilling for gas and oil. In 1896, the sale of farmlands of the Darby plains brought man Amish families to this rich agricultural area.

The town clock, a well known landmark, was the gift of “Uncle Sammy” Taylor, a prominent Plain City farmer. On November 15, 1902, an elaborate dedication service and ox roast commemorated this historic event.

Pastime Park, existing since 1906, is the center of community social activities. Originally, it was used by the Driving Club for its matinee harness horse races. In 1910, these events were enhanced by the Chautauqua programs.

Additional land donated by Dan Kirwin in 1941 provided ample space for the Pastime Pool, ball diamonds and tennis courts. The Plain City Independent Fair is an annual highlight at Pastime Park. In 1982, the Plain City Area Chamber of Commerce revived the Corn Carnival, a harvest festival, which formerly existed 1914-1919.

The Village of Plain City is governed by an elected mayor and six council members. A clerk-treasurer assists in official duties. The mayor is the judge of the local courts. The Fire Department protects Plain City and the surrounding area with fire and emergency vehicles, including a staff of firefighters and paramedics. The Division of Police provides 24 hour protection to all residents.

*Adapted from the Bicentennial Edition of the Journal-Tribune on Friday, July 2, 1976.

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123 N. Chillicothe St.
Plain City OH 43064