Piqua, Ohio

Piqua is a city in Ohio, United States, located within Miami County on the banks of the Great Miami River. It is situated about 28 miles north of Dayton and 71 miles northwest of Columbus. The city is served by U.S. Route 36 and Interstate 75. The area was originally inhabited by the Shawnee people, and it was settled by Europeans at the end of the 18th century.

Economy and Historic Features

The city was once home to the Piqua Nuclear Generating Station, which operated from 1963 to 1966. It was located at latitude 40.1319713 and longitude –84.2349673. Today, Piqua is home to several companies, including Hartzell Propeller. Founded in 1917 by Robert Hartzell, it produces aircraft propellers for a wide range of aircraft types. Evenflo is also one of the top employers in Piqua.

Fort Piqua Plaza is a historic building located at 114 West Main Street (40.1489062, –84.2402173). Designed by Joseph W. Yost and built in the Late Victorian style between 1890 and 1891, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on February 15, 1974.

Local Attractions

Piqua has a large shopping center known as Piqua Center. Opened in 1988 and located at 987 East Ash Street (latitude 40.1481733 and longitude –84.222884), it features many stores and restaurants, along with an amusement area and a 2-star hotel. Cinemark Miami Valley, a movie theater with stadium seating, is located next to the shopping center.

Local attractions in the city include Farrington Reserve, Fountain Park, Hollow Park, Echo Hills Golf Club, and the Johnston Farm and Indian Agency.

Education

Edison State Community College, the first general and technical college in Ohio, is also based in Piqua. It was established in 1973 and named after Thomas Alva Edison.