Welcome to Hamilton, Ohio, famously known as the City of Sculpture. This vibrant cultural center boasts a rich history that begins with its founding as Fort Hamilton in 1791. The fort was strategically established by General Arthur St. Clair during the Northwest Indian War to serve as a supply post. Named in honor of Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury, the fort was essential for the military campaigns of the time and marked the beginning of the settlement that would grow into the city of Hamilton.
In its early years, Hamilton grew as an agricultural and trading town. By 1800, it was becoming a hub of commerce in the region, and by 1803, it was officially platted and named. The town’s growth continued with the construction of the Hamilton Hydraulic, a water power system that spurred industrial growth from the 1840s onwards. This innovative use of water power attracted various industries, including the Beckett Paper Company, one of the oldest paper mills west of the Allegheny Mountains.
Hamilton has also played host to notable historical figures. In 1859, Abraham Lincoln visited Hamilton and delivered a speech supporting Ohio’s Republican governor candidate, William Dennison. This speech is noted for its focus on popular sovereignty and marked an early appearance of Lincoln as a potential presidential candidate.
The city continued to evolve through the 19th and 20th centuries, with its development further bolstered by its proximity to Cincinnati and the Great Miami River. Today, Hamilton is celebrated for its dedication to public art and sculpture, reflecting a spirit of creativity and innovation that has been part of its identity since its founding.
