Each month, we feature on our a different Ohio city as part of our #GOPCThread Series, #OHCommunitySpotlight. This month, we highlight the ‘city that’s a spirit’ - Sidney, Ohio.

Today the #GOPCThread is exploring St. Clairsville, a city of 5,000, located in east central Ohio. St. Clairsville was founded in 1796 as Newellstown but was later renamed in honor of the founder’s cousin General Arthur St. Clair in 1802.

“St. Clairsville is in Belmont Co., which had many coal mines in the 19th + 20th centuries. The areas is now home to oil and gas wells in the 21st century.”

St. Clairsville resident Benjamin Lundy founded the Union Humane Society, the first abolitionist society west of the Appalachians and the first newspaper dedicated to the elimination of slavery. His house on Main Street remains and is now a National Historic Landmark. #GOPCThread

St. Clairsville’s development has been significantly influenced by U.S. 40, the Historic National Road. This was the first federally planned and funded multi-state highway in the country and is the city’s main street, home to many landmarks, restaurants, and shops. #GOPCThread

In 2015, St. Clairsville was named one of Ohio’s “Best Hometowns” by @OhioMagazine. Chosen because of its friendly residents, strong downtown district and an amazing sense of community, this city is a place residents are proud to call home! #GOPCThread

The St. Clairsville-Richland school mascot is the Red Devil, a nickname for local coal miners. The red clay in the Hell’s Kitchen” mines would result in the miners emerging covered in red dust. Let’s go @St.C.Athletics! #GOPCThread

In 1994, the St. Clairsville Historic District was listed on the @NatlParkService’s National Register of Historic Places. This district contains Victoria era buildings including the Belmont County Courthouse and Clarendon Hotel. #GOPCThread

A regional attraction for St. Clairsville, the National Road Bikeway is the only rail trail in Ohio with a tunnel. The tunnel is 532 ft long, 40 ft high, and has lighting features for cyclist safety. In April, City Council approved significant improvements to trail! #GOPCThread

Whether you stop by Giacinta’s for some gelato or relax with a yoga class at Restore, St. Clairsville’s historic main street has what you’re looking for! Its active business association works together to plan events and grow downtown. #GOPCThread

St. Clairsville recently received $3.3M from the state’s Appalachian Grant Program to support transformational projects in the region. The grant will support the development of a community-based health center to improve access to health care in the region.

St. Clairsville is exploring Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) to bring additional businesses and residents to its downtown through. It would allow alcoholic beverages throughout the district. Council will host a public hearing soon to hear from residents. #GOPCThread

Since 2000, St. Clairsville has been annually awarded the National Arbor Day Foundation’s @arborday’s Tree City USA designation. Trees lead to cooler temperatures, cleaner air, higher property values, and healthier residents. Great job, St. Clairsville! #GOPCThread

Thank you for joining us on our visit through St. Clairsville! Come back next month as we explore another Ohio city in the #GOPCThread!

Cover Image Attribution: Bwsmith84 at English Wikipedia