Columbus Neighborhoods: Lancaster

We're heading down to Lancaster, Ohio, to learn more about the city's past, present and future. From the Civil War to stately historic homes, Lancaster boasts a rich history. Plus, we'll take a look at community activism today.
Photos courtesy of: Columbus Metropolitan Library, Fairfield County Heritage Association, Library of Congress, Ohio History Connection, Decorative Arts Center of Ohio

[@AlanChambers]

My home town. But I've lived here in Columbus for over 25 years. It's too bad how River Valley Mall is winding down. Even the food court area only has three restaurants left. I remember when the mall was built in 1987. It was a very vibrant place back in the day. It would be nice to see it revitalized.

[@pdxbuckeye]

Great report on Lancaster. Thanks for posting.

[@bmfilmnut]

I lived in Lancaster for one year (1961-62) when I was 12 years old. After moving from northern Illinois, I loved Lancaster because there were so many things to do for a kid that age such as climbing Mt. Pleasant and the mountains and hills in the surrounding countryside. It was also a beautiful, historic town. My wife and I visited Lancaster about ten years ago and I was dismayed at how things had changed. Many parts of the town then had a run down look and the town looked far less prosperous than when I lived there. There were empty storefronts, including what was my father's Western Auto Store. That said, I have fond memories of my short time in Lancaster and I hope it has picked up economically and continues to do so in the future. It's truly a beautiful town.

[@KeithFox]

Didn't mention Rising Park at all? Basically this was one big commercial for two businesses

[@trailvidme]

thanks for posting this

[@littlebitofeverything585]

Cool I have lived in Lancaster all my life and still do 14 years.

[@belialuedke1880]

Excellent video.

[@nosferocko]

should of done a report of how we have so many homeless our shelters cant hold. and you cant walk anywhere without tripping into a ditch with a needle or two. the meth and pills run through everyone tears family's apart. but not as much as our juvenile system aiming to take money from lower middle class family's over low charge offences.

[@sherylm9602]

Wasn't a bad place my first 17 years alive but the last 13 years it has gone to shit like the rest of the country.

[@itsnotjoe4479]

Me and my mom is in that we were the one walking with the cat bag

[@billgreen3138]

im from lancaster ohio but live in portsmouth virginia

[@p.davidhughes5780]

where's the best place to move out there between athens and lancaster

[@dylanschaar5611]

Sugar grove

[@RuStOlIuM420]

Oh yeah junkie haven now lol

[@khmersar8421]

Can't imagine anything good about the place

[@nosferocko]

and the kkk had a wedding on the mountain

[@westoncoppess]

SURE COUNTS it’s a hill not a mountain not that big it’s a big hill

[@nosferocko]

@@westoncoppess no shit bruhh but people here call it a mountain

[@sherylm9602]

@@westoncoppess More of a cliff with a steep hill on the back side.

[@marypenebaker898]

You left so much of Lancaster's history out. Like feeling in the public pool with cement because you would rather your children not be able to enjoy swimming in a pool, is it meant they were allowed to. I'm amazed that you didn't speak about, White, Lancaster, Ohio. Fairfield county. You are even sugar coating arguments about the south and slavery. And you know, if you're proud, then own it. I love how you refer to crime, homeless, junkies and what happened Lancaster, but you won't acknowledge why you believe that it's like that because of that halfway house for drunks and assholes who still get to go to work, right there next to the Dollar General. Kind of odd that all the locals filled it up. Having the longest running newspaper in Ohio, I would think you would know all about it.