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Victorian Village
The Victorian Village Area before 1870 was several large farms owned by the Neil, Hubbard, and Starr families. In 1827, William Neil purchased a 300 acre farm north of Columbus that ultimately became the site of the Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College (now The Ohio State University). By 1853, the Neils had purchased almost all the land west of High Street to the Olentangy River, and between the city and the original farm. At that point, William and Hannah Neil divided portions of their property among their children.
One of the area's founding fathers, Dr. Lincoln Goodale, donated a 40 acre tract of land to the city for use as a public park in 1851. It was one of the first tracts of land in the United States set aside for a public park. Goodale Park was landscaped and developed in the 1870s.
By 1879 an urban rail line connecting downtown Columbus with Ohio State University along Neil Avenue was completed. Neil Avenue became a major north-south connection. The increased mobility resulting from the rail line and establishment of the University opened the way for further growth. By 1875, the area between High Street and Neil Avenue was a thriving residential area. The area west of Neil and south of Fifth was platted between 1888 and 1902. It was almost entirely developed prior to 1920.
The area was composed of diverse lifestyles, occupations, incomes, and educational levels. Doctors, lawyers, craftsmen, and merchants built their homes there. This wide social mix is reflected in the rich variety of architecture still found throughout the Village.
Today, Victorian Village has some of the finest examples of domestic Victorian Era architecture in the country. In the late 1960s and 70s, a new interest in the area began to flourish and has continued as homes are being carefully restored to their original character. Victorian Village's history and architecture make it a unique and diversified area that can still accommodate a variety of income levels and social backgrounds.
Visit Victorian Village and see why its residents think it is a wonderful place to live.