The Oldest Concrete Street In America In Bellefontaine Ohio

Paved streets are one of the many things we likely take for granted in America. But the small city of Bellefontaine proudly claims “America’s Oldest Concrete Street,” which dates all the way back to 1891. (Don’t worry; it’s not falling apart. It’s been maintained since the 19th-century.)

Check it out:

Court Avenue in Bellefontaine, Ohio is officially deemed “America’s Oldest Concrete Street.”

OZinOH/Flickr It borders the Logan County Courthouse.

A man by the name of George Bartholemew convinced the Bellefontaine City Council to try it on Court Avenue around the courthouse in 1891.

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr The unfamiliar mixture called “concrete” had yet to be used to pave streets anywhere in America.

Today, you can find the Court Avenue street sign by the courthouse, but you can no longer drive on the street itself.

OZinOH/Flickr (Of course, the street has been repaved several times since 1891.)

There’s even a special monument that commemorates the street.

Derek Jenson/Wikimedia Commons The plaques reads: THIS IS THE FIRST PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE STREET BUILT IN THE UNITED STATES. CONSTRUCTED IN 1891 HERE STARTED THE BETTER ROADS MOVEMENT WHICH HAS GIVEN OUR CITIZENS FROM COAST TO COAST SWIFT AND SURE TRANSPORTATION. 1891….1941 ERECTED BY THE BELLEFONTAINE JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

As an added bonus, nearby is the “World’s Shortest Street,” McKinley Street, which is only 15 ft. long.

Swiss Celt/Wikimedia Commons Bellefontaine is simply known for its famous streets.

Did you know about this? Have you seen the street for yourself? If so, let us know!

OZinOH/Flickr

It borders the Logan County Courthouse.

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

The unfamiliar mixture called “concrete” had yet to be used to pave streets anywhere in America.

(Of course, the street has been repaved several times since 1891.)

Derek Jenson/Wikimedia Commons

The plaques reads: THIS IS THE FIRST PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE STREET BUILT IN THE UNITED STATES. CONSTRUCTED IN 1891 HERE STARTED THE BETTER ROADS MOVEMENT WHICH HAS GIVEN OUR CITIZENS FROM COAST TO COAST SWIFT AND SURE TRANSPORTATION. 1891….1941 ERECTED BY THE BELLEFONTAINE JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Swiss Celt/Wikimedia Commons

Bellefontaine is simply known for its famous streets.

For more unusual, one-of-a-kind spots in Ohio, be sure to check out our previous article, 14 Bizarre Roadside Attractions In Ohio That Will Make You Do A Double Take.

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