City of Westerville history

1859 - A new town ordinance prohibits sales of alcohol.

In 1860, Westerville’s Fire Division was established and remained a volunteer fire division for more than 100 years.

1870’s - Violent argument known as the “Westerville Whiskey Wars” breaks out between those in support of the prohibition of alcohol, and those against it.

1873 - Westerville is railroad, bringing the Everal Tile Company to town and leading to economic growth throughout the community.

In 1875, saloon keeper Henry Corbin attempted to ignore the law.

Another saloonkeeper experienced a similar result in 1879.

Westerville appeared on the national stage in 1909, when the Anti-Saloon League moved its headquarters to the town from Washington, DC. Westerville's long history of support for prohibition persuaded the organization's leadership to relocate.

1916 - Westerville adopts a council-mayor style of government, becoming the third municipality in the US to do so.

1934 - Construction begins of first city park, Alum Creek Park, which remains one of the area’s most popular parks today.

By 1940, Westerville’s population had grown to 3,146; 10 years later, it was 4,102.

Westerville continued to grow after World War II, officially becoming a city in 1960.

Thanks to public support, a massive library expansion occurred in 1998.

2001 - Westerville Parks and Recreation is awarded a National Gold Medal for service to excellence and opens the Westerville Community Center.