German Village in Columbus, Ohio is a Thriving, Historic Community

A downtown Columbus, Ohio neighborhood that is known as one of the premiere historic districts in the country, German Village is a lovingly restored community, the largest privately funded historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. Comprised of 233 acres, if functions not only as a home for many and a vibrant shopping and dining area, but also as a sort of living history museum.

German Village is located on a tract of land that was first appropriated to Canadians who had assisted the U.S. in the causes of the American Revolution. The first owner of the land was Nova Scotia native John McGowan, who both lived on the land and sold parcels to many newly-arriving German immigrants, thus the neighborhood's eventual moniker. These immigrants began arriving in 1930, mostly from the southern portion of Germany. The Germans built homes and businesses and established churches in this portion of the city. They also formed many cultural and social organizations and began assuming political offices.

Though most German-Americans served in World War I, much animosity towards those who settled in this neighborhood occurred during this time and into World War II. Street names were changed and German books and newspapers were burned. The Great Depression also took its toll on the neighborhood and decline was evident by the 1950s. However, an interested German-American purchased a home there in 1959 and started a movement to restore the German Village area. Restoration of homes and stores began and by the 1980s, the area was proclaimed one of the best urban restorations in the country.

Today, visitors to German Village are treated to a look at beautifully restored structures that maintain the architectural integrity of the neighborhood's first buildings. In all, about 1,600 buildings have been restored since 1960 and lovely parks, walkways, and seating areas have been added. Visitors can enjoy a stroll through history as they walk through this thriving community that is now considered one of the city's most coveted places to live.

In addition to stores, restaurants, and other commercial establishments, German Village is home to two attractive parks. Schiller Park includes beautiful gardens, notable sculpture, and a newly-renovated recreation center. Frank Fetch Park, named for the gentleman who began the renaissance in the Village, is developed along the lines of a 19th century Bier Garten and includes attractive landscaping, brick walkways, gas lamps, picnic tables, and plenty of open space for festivals and exhibits.

The people who live in German Village along with local merchants sponsor several special events each year, but two are particularly notable. The first, Oktoberfest, features traditional German music, food, and much more. In June of each year, the Haus und Garten (House and Garden) Tour features the opportunity to tour a number of the neighborhood's unique homes. Also part of the day's festivities is gardening demonstrations and a variety of specials offered by local merchants. This is one of Columbus' most popular events and tickets should be purchased in advance. Information about this and other events and attractions are available at the German Village Meeting Haus, operated by the non-profit German Village Society.