Lima history

The history of Lima dates back to 1831, when the settlement was officially established and selected as the administrative centre of Allen County. The city's name was proposed in honour of the capital of Peru, as in those times quinine (a medicine for malaria), imported from South America, was vital for the inhabitants of the marshy Ohio terrain. Notably, the local pronunciation was established as "Lye-mah".

Key factors that influenced the city's formation:

• Geography and Resources: Initially, the city developed on territory known as the "Great Black Swamp". Drainage of the land allowed for the development of agriculture, but the main catalyst for growth was the discovery of oil in 1885.
• Oil Boom: The discovery of deposits turned Lima into one of the centres of the US oil industry in the late 19th century. For a brief time, the city became a key player in the country's energy market.
• Transport Accessibility: The development of the railway network allowed for the efficient export of resources and goods, attracting capital and new residents to the region.

The city's early economy quickly transformed from agrarian to industrial. Besides oil extraction, Lima became famous for mechanical engineering. It was home to the renowned Lima Locomotive Works factory, which produced steam locomotives known all over the world. This industrial success shaped the cultural image of the city as a prosperous working-class centre with rich traditions of production and innovation.

Major Milestones in the City's History

• 1831: Official founding of the settlement and its designation as the administrative centre of Allen County.
• 1854: The first railway arrives in the city, connecting Lima with major trade routes in the state of Ohio.
• 1880: A local engineering company produces the first Shay design locomotive, which would later bring the city worldwide fame.
• 1885: Benjamin Faurot discovers a large oil deposit, instantly turning Lima into the energy capital of the region.
• 1886: The Standard Oil Company begins construction of the Solar Refinery to process local oil.
• 1904: Construction is completed on the monumental Allen County Courthouse, which remains an architectural landmark of the centre to this day.
• 1941: The Lima Army Tank Plant is founded, becoming a key manufacturer of equipment during the Second World War.
• 1949: The famous Lima Locomotive Works ceases production of steam locomotives, marking the end of the steam era.
• 1960: A regional campus of The Ohio State University opens, providing residents with access to higher education.
• 2009: The premiere of the popular television series "Glee", set in Lima, brings a new wave of fame to the city.

Key Stages of City Development

The evolution of Lima is a journey from an agricultural trading post to an industrial giant and a modern city with a mixed economy. Below are the main milestones that defined the city's current appearance and status:

• The Oil Rush (from 1885)
  The discovery of oil by Benjamin Faurot radically changed the fate of the region.
  Significance: Lima became the headquarters for numerous oil companies and the location of the Solar Refinery (part of the Standard Oil empire). This led to explosive population growth, the appearance of the first urban utilities, and an influx of massive capital invested in the urban environment.
• Becoming a World Centre for Locomotive Manufacturing (late 19th century)
  Lima Locomotive Works rose to leading positions in the USA, alongside competitors from Philadelphia and Schenectady.
  Significance: The production of the famous "Shay" locomotives and "Super Power" class models cemented Lima's status as a centre of heavy machinery. This formed the city's unique engineering culture and ensured economic stability for decades.
• "Golden Age" Architectural Boom (early 20th century)
  Proceeds from industry were used to rebuild the city centre, and monumental public buildings appeared.
  Significance: The construction of such objects as the majestic Allen County Courthouse and Memorial Hall set a high urban planning standard. This historic architectural ensemble remains the calling card of downtown Lima.
• Military-Industrial Transformation (1941)
  Founding of the Lima Army Tank Plant for front-line needs during the Second World War.
  Significance: The plant became a new engine of the economy, replacing the fading steam locomotive industry. Today, this facility (Joint Systems Manufacturing Center) remains a strategically important site, being the only place producing M1 Abrams tanks in the USA, which supports employment in the high-tech sector.
• Educational and Service Reorientation (1960s)
  Opening of the regional campus of The Ohio State University (Ohio State University at Lima).
  Significance: This step marked the beginning of economic diversification. The transition from a purely manufacturing model to the development of education and healthcare allowed the city to adapt to post-industrial realities and retain youth in the region.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Environment

The architecture of Lima is a stone chronicle of its transformation from a small settlement into a powerful industrial centre of the Midwest. The visual appearance of the city was largely formed during the "oil boom" era of the late 19th century, when the sudden wealth of the region allowed humble wooden structures to be replaced with monumental brick and stone, creating an expressive urban landscape.

Styles and Eras

Lima's development intertwines styles reflecting different stages of the city's economic prosperity:

• Victorian Luxury: Along West Market Street, the historic "Golden Mile" has been preserved. Here, oil magnates and industrialists built majestic mansions in the Queen Anne and Italian Renaissance styles, distinguished by complex roof shapes and rich decor.
• Civic Monumentality: Administrative and public buildings from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries lean towards Neoclassicism and Eclecticism, symbolising the reliability of authority and the strength of the law.
• Industrial Functionalism: The legacy of the "City of Locomotives" is captured in massive brick factory buildings with huge glazed spans. This utilitarian architecture today shapes the special, rugged charm of the industrial districts.

Iconic Buildings

Several key objects are architectural landmarks of Lima and define its recognisable silhouette:

• Allen County Courthouse:
  The undisputed jewel of the city and one of the most impressive examples of the Second Empire style in the state. Construction of this grand structure was completed in 1884. The building is adorned with a high clock tower, a mansard roof, and intricate stone carving, while its interiors impress with frescoes and marble finishing.
• Memorial Hall:
  A striking example of Neoclassical architecture, opened in 1908. The building, with a majestic facade and columns, was erected as a tribute to veterans and a place for public gatherings. It contrasts with the more modern Civic Centre, serving as a reminder of the rich cultural traditions of the early last century.
• Historic Downtown:
  The downtown blocks are formed by commercial buildings from the early 20th century in the "Commercial Classicism" style. Brick facades with large shop windows on the ground floors create the atmosphere of a traditional American city, where history neighbours modern business.

Distinguished Residents and Natives of Lima

Lima has been the birthplace and home of many talented individuals who have achieved global recognition in science, art, and sports. Below are the most significant figures whose names are inextricably linked with the city's history.

• William Alfred Fowler
  Astrophysicist, Nobel Prize Laureate
  Grew up in Lima and graduated from the local school. In 1983, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his fundamental research on nuclear reactions, which explained the process of the formation of chemical elements in the Universe.
• Phyllis Diller
  Comedic Actress and Stand-up Comedian
  Born in Lima in 1917. She became one of the first women to achieve colossal success in the stand-up genre, paving the way into comedy for many followers. Known for her eccentric stage persona and unique style of humour.
• Joe Henderson
  Jazz Musician and Composer
  A native of Lima who became one of the greatest tenor saxophonists of the jazz scene in the second half of the 20th century. Over his career spanning more than 40 years, he collaborated with jazz legends and was awarded several Grammy Awards.
• Al Jardine
  Musician, Co-founder of The Beach Boys
  Born in Lima before his family moved to California. As a guitarist and vocalist for the legendary band The Beach Boys, he made a significant contribution to the development of rock music and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
• Hugh Downs
  TV Presenter and Journalist
  Spent his childhood and youth in Lima. Became a legend of American television, hosting the popular programmes "Today" and "20/20". For a long time, he held the world record for the number of hours spent on live national TV.
• Helen O'Connell
  Singer and Actress
  Born in Lima. Gained wide fame in the Big Band era as a vocalist for the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. In the 1940s, her voice was heard in dozens of hits, becoming a symbol of the musical culture of that time.
• Ben Roethlisberger
  Professional Athlete (American Football)
  Born in Lima. An outstanding NFL quarterback and two-time Super Bowl winner with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Considered one of the most prolific players in the history of the league.