Wellston Ohip history

In November 1873, the town of Wellston (named in honor of its founder, Harvey Wells) was laid out on a portion of farmland purchased from H. S. Bundy.

On February 2, 1874, contracts were made for the construction of the first iron furnace (twin stack, double blast) for the Wellston Coal and Iron Company.

In February 1876, the village of Wellston Ohio was incorporated.

In 1878 a larger facility was needed, so at the present Central location a building was erected.

In an article published in the Wellston Argus in April 1884, it was stated that “No mineral region in Ohio or the nation can compare with Wellston and its surrounding area with the quality of mineral treasures, or the unparalleled development of the coal and iron industries.

In February 1888, the Consolidated Coal and Iron Company was given exclusive rights to light the city of Wellston with electricity for 99 years.

In 1892, rapid growth of the school population made it necessary to double the capacity of South and West schools.

The Markay Cultural Arts Center is a renovated 1930's Art Deco movie theatre which is now operated by the Southern Hills Arts Council.

Again, in 1946, the voters of Wellston passed a bond issue to rebuild and extend the water supply to outlying areas.