Dublin, Ohio

Dublin Ohio is a long standing community and is probably best known for being the home of Jack Nicklaus' Country Club at Muirfield Village and the PGA Memorial Golf Tournament held there each year since 1976. With an estimated population of over 36,000, Dublin continues to be one of the fastest-growing suburbs of Columbus. In addition, thousands more live outside the municipal boundaries of Dublin, yet are generally considered Dubliners because they reside within the school district. Approximately 57,000 people live within the school district.

Although its earliest settlements date back to 1802, the village became known as Dublin didn't take shape until the arrival of the Sells family of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. Brothers Peter and Benjamin Sells purchased 400 acres of land on the west banks of the Scioto River as a gift for their brother John. In 1808, John Sells brought his family to the region, and by 1810 he had begun surveying for lots to create a new village along with his partner, an Irish gentleman named John Shields. According to historians, Shields is responsible for naming the town after his birthplace of Dublin, Ireland.Sells is also the name of a public Dublin City School, John Sells Middle School.

In 1970, Dublin was still a small village with just under 700 residents. However, the construction of the Outbelt (I-270) created a population boom, spearheaded by the acquisition of major corporate headquarters such as Ashland Inc and Wendy's International. In addition, the growth of the Muirfield Village Golf Club and its residential subdivision attracted a large number of affluent citizens to the rapidly growing suburb. Dublin was officially declared a city in 1987, after reaching a population of 5,000 residents.

Dublin features 1,000 acres of parks with 77 miles of scenic bike trails and 39 developed parks that include wooded natural areas and river frontage. Several Dublin parks are located along the Scioto River, including the two Dublin Kiwanis Riverway parks. The river is accessible at several points for small watercraft, and the nearby Griggs and O'Shaughnessy reservoirs allow motorboating and sailing. Several of Dublin's parks are home to a unique assortment of outdoor sculptures--part of the Art in Public Places collection, established by the Dublin Arts Council.

In 1989, the Council developed the program to enhance the quality of life for residents, and to establish a public art tour throughout the City to attract visitors. It has since become a nationally recognized program. The series includes a 12 ft. tall stone portrait of local legend, "Leatherlips" (the Wyandot Native American Chief known for the strength of his word); Field of Corn that features 109 adult sized cement ears of corn planted in neat roads; and a copper house that honors the region's native American culture. Ballantrae Park is located at the entrance of its namesake subdivision. Sitting upon a 20' tall hillock, is a 15-foot bronze sculpture called “Dancing Hares”. An interactive play fountain is found at the base of the hill. It provides a fun, oasis for swimsuit-clad kids during the warm weather months.

Dublin's Historic District

In the 1880's Dublin was known as the roughest frontier town in the area with 5 saloons on the main street created a lively business at all hours of the day and night, 7 days a week. Racing buckboards and horses through the main street occupied many young men having had a few too many drinks. There were drunken brawls and cussing matches and rock fights in the streets with rival gangs from Worthington and Columbus.

In the 1920’s farming and quarrying were Dublin’s main economy. The steam thresher helped harvest as gangs of up to 40 men and boys separated wheat and helped each other get crops in. The first gas tractor was in Dublin by 1930.

Linworth

Halfway between Worthington and Dublin is a small community called Linworth. Originally called Elmwood, the community chaned its name to Linworth taking the LIN from Dublin, and the WORTH from Worthington.