According to fun-wiki, West Lafayette, Ohio is a small village in Coshocton County located in the Appalachian region of the state. The village covers an area of 0.3 square miles and is home to roughly 2,600 people. The village is situated along the Tuscarawas River and lies at an elevation of 871 feet above sea level.
The terrain in West Lafayette is mostly rolling hills with some flat areas near the river. The soil is mostly clay-based which makes it ideal for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans. Forested areas are also present in the area which provides habitat for a variety of wildlife species including deer, foxes, rabbits, and birds.
The climate in West Lafayette is typical of the Midwestern United States; summers tend to be hot and humid while winters are cold with occasional snowfall. Precipitation levels are generally high throughout the year with an average annual precipitation of 43 inches (1091 mm).
West Lafayette has access to public transportation provided by Coshocton County Transit which operates buses throughout the county as well as into nearby cities such as Newark and Zanesville. The nearest airport is located at Port Columbus International Airport which is approximately 45 miles away from West Lafayette.
The village has several parks for residents to enjoy including a community center park that features a playground, basketball court, tennis court, picnic pavilion, walking trails and more. There are also two golf courses located nearby – Hickory Flats Golf Course and River Greens Golf Course – both offering challenging courses for all skill levels.
Overall, West Lafayette offers its residents a quiet rural lifestyle surrounded by beautiful scenery while still providing easy access to larger cities via public transportation or car travel when needed. With its parks, golf courses and other amenities it’s easy to see why so many people choose to call this small village home.
History of West Lafayette, Ohio
West Lafayette, Ohio has a long and rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The village was first settled in 1806 by a group of settlers from New Jersey who were looking for new land in the area. The first permanent settler was Joseph Fenton who purchased a large tract of land along the Tuscarawas River. He soon began to develop the area and opened up a trading post where settlers could purchase goods and supplies.
In 1829, the village was officially incorporated as West Lafayette, taking its name from General Lafayette who had visited Ohio during his tour of America in 1824-1825. By this time, there were several businesses operating in the village including several saw mills, grist mills, a tannery and a distillery.
In 1835, West Lafayette built its first schoolhouse which served as both an elementary school and high school until it was replaced by a new brick building in 1845. In addition to education, West Lafayette also had several churches which were established between 1830-1850 including Methodist Episcopal Church (1830), Congregational Church (1841), Baptist Church (1844) and Presbyterian Church (1850).
The railroad arrived in West Lafayette in 1863 which allowed for easier transportation of goods to nearby cities such as Zanesville and Newark. This also led to an increase in population as more people moved into the area looking for work on the railroads or at local factories which had been established by this time.
During World War II many of West Lafayette’s residents joined the military or worked at nearby factories helping with wartime production efforts. After the war ended, West Lafayette remained largely unchanged with many families continuing to live and work in the area for generations. Today, while some industries have come and gone over time, West Lafayette remains largely unchanged with many of its original buildings still standing along Main Street giving it an old-fashioned charm that can’t be found anywhere else.
Economy of West Lafayette, Ohio
The economy of West Lafayette, Ohio is quite diverse. The village is home to a variety of small businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, and professional services. There is also a strong agricultural sector in the area, with many farms located just outside of town. In addition, there are several factories located in the area that produce a variety of items such as furniture and appliances.
West Lafayette’s economy is also bolstered by its proximity to nearby cities such as Zanesville and Newark. These larger cities provide employment opportunities for many of West Lafayette’s residents who commute for work each day. In addition, these nearby cities are also home to a number of colleges and universities which provide jobs for faculty members and students alike.
The railroad that arrived in West Lafayette in 1863 also had a big impact on the local economy. This allowed goods to be transported more easily from West Lafayette to nearby cities which helped spur economic growth in the area. In addition, it provided employment opportunities for those who worked on the railroads or at local factories established by this time.
In recent years, there has been an influx of energy-related businesses into the area due to its location near several natural gas wells and pipelines. These businesses have provided additional job opportunities for locals as well as bringing money into the community through taxes and other forms of revenue.
Overall, West Lafayette’s economy has remained steady over time despite some changes in industry over the years. The village continues to be a great place for families to live due to its low cost of living and access to nearby larger cities with more job opportunities. With its small-town charm, friendly people, and thriving economy, West Lafayette remains an attractive destination for those looking for a place to call home.
Politics in West Lafayette, Ohio
The politics of West Lafayette, Ohio are largely dominated by the Republican Party. The village is located in Coshocton County, which tends to lean heavily towards the Republican Party. In the 2016 Presidential Election, Donald Trump won the county by a margin of nearly 20 points. This trend has been consistent over recent years and is reflective of the overall political atmosphere in West Lafayette.
At the local level, most of West Lafayette’s elected officials are Republicans. The mayor and members of the village council all belong to this party. Additionally, all three members of Coshocton County’s board of commissioners are Republicans as well.
West Lafayette residents are generally conservative in their political views and tend to favor candidates who promote smaller government and lower taxes. They also tend to support candidates who are pro-life and pro-gun rights. These issues often come up during elections at both local and national levels, making them important topics for many voters in the area.
Despite its strong Republican stronghold, West Lafayette has seen some success with Democratic candidates in recent years as well. In 2018, Democrat Danny O’Connor came within one percentage point of beating Republican Troy Balderson in a special election for Ohio’s 12th congressional district which includes West Lafayette. This close margin showed that Democrats can be competitive even in an area that typically leans so heavily towards Republicans.
Overall, West Lafayette’s politics reflect those of Coshocton County as a whole – largely conservative with strong support for Republican candidates at both local and national levels. Residents take these issues seriously when they go to vote each year and have shown that they will consider Democratic candidates if they believe they will be better suited to represent their interests in office.