Hamilton German Village!: Willkommen to Hamilton's German Village!

Hamilton German Village is a nine-block historic district located immediately north of Hamilton's central business district, and adjacent to the Great Miami River. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1991. It was the first residential development outside of Fort Hamilton. German Village showcases a great variety of 19th century architectural styles including Queen Anne, Italianate, Eastlake and Gothic Revival. Upon construction the neighborhood housed both prominent businessmen and laborers. By the 1940's, with the completion of a nearby hydraulic canal, a wave of German immigrants had arrived and Hamilton was becoming a prominent industrial center.

German Village was the first residential settlement outside of Fort Hamilton. Israel Ludlow, surveyor of the Miami Purchase, platted it. The people were predominately German that lived there. Many of the industrialists established their businesses and residences here. In the churches, gatherings, and bars the people spoke German and it was indeed a German community.

The 1913 flood started the decline of German Village, people started moving out and renting their homes and the community started changing. The depression further hastened the decline. By 1970, the neighborhood was a textbook case of inner city decay. The U.S. would soon be celebrating its bicentennial and an energy crisis was on. What better way to become involved in history and conservation of resources than to join in the restoration movement.

The Great Flood of 1913 in Hamilton Ohio

With the help of the Hamilton Planning and Public Works departments, use of federal revenue sharing funds German Village has benefited with several essential improvements. Red brick sidewalks, period lamp fixtures, landscaping, re-routing of state route 127, the conversion of one-way streets to two-way streets, and re-naming of streets have been some of the improvements made. In 1990, the National Register of Historic Places listed the entire neighborhood as a Historic District.
The city's Historic Design Review Board reviews improvements and additions proposed for properties in the district.

Today, German Village is experiencing a surge. Complimenting its plenitude of restored historical buildings, the North Third Street Plaza has been designed and constructed with help from the City of Hamilton. The Plaza is home to many events and activities throughout the year. Soon it will be the core of one of Hamilton's most beloved Entertainment Districts! Included in German Village, millions of dollars have been invested in the new Marcum Park that is back-dropped by the RiversEdge Amphitheater and the Greater Miami River.