(A) The City of Piqua has a rich history dating back to its Native American roots. The name Piqua is derived from a Native American word meaning "man who arose from the ashes" or "ashes to ashes". The area was inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Shawnee, Miami, and Delaware.
(B) Fort Piqua was established in 1793 by General Anthony Wayne during the Northwest Indian War, and the City of Piqua was founded in 1807 and incorporated in 1823. Piqua's early industry was successful due to its location along the Miami River, which provided power for mills and other industries. The city became known for its manufacturing, including paper mills, foundries, and agricultural equipment.
(C) The construction of the Miami and Erie Canal in the 1830's further stimulated Piqua's economy by providing a transportation route for goods and people. The canal connected Piqua to other major cities in Ohio and beyond.
(D) Piqua was a center of abolitionist activity in the mid-nineteenth century. The town was a stop on the Underground Railroad, and many residents were involved in the anti-slavery movement.
(E) Piqua boasts several historic structures and landmarks that are still standing today, including the Fort Piqua Plaza, which now houses a library and meeting spaces. The Johnston Farm & Indian Agency provides insight into the area's early history and the interactions between Native Americans and European settlers, as well as many others on the National Register of Historic Places.
(F) The Caldwell Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 and includes portions of North Main Street, Wayne Street, Downing Street, Caldwell Street, West Ash Street, Greene Street, North Street, Mound Street, and Park Avenue.
(G) These areas contribute tremendously to the vibrancy of the downtown area, which is why the city has made significant efforts to preserve their historical character, including applying to be a certified local government (CLG) with the State of Ohio, and establishing these local guidelines and standards for renovation, rehabilitation, and demolition.
(H) The CLG program is a federal, state, and local partnership that promotes the preservation of local historic resources by providing assistance to local communities including funding (i.e., matching grants program) that can be used for a variety of preservation projects. To become a CLG, the city must have the following:
(1) A qualified commission of at least five members who designate historic properties and review proposed changes to the historic environment;
(2) An ordinance designed to protect historic resources and offer guidance to those wishing to make changes to historic buildings, sites, and districts;
(3) A procedure for identifying historic properties by which they can be surveyed and recorded, designated locally, and nominated to the National Register of Historic Places; and
(4) A public participation program which invites and encourages citizens to participate in the community's historic preservation program.
(Ord. 3-24, passed 5-21-24)