The city of Hamilton is located along the Great Miami River and is the county seat for Butler County and has 63,000 residents. It was founded in 1791 as Fort Hamilton (in honor of Alexander Hamilton). By the 1800s, the fort was gone and the area’s focus was on agriculture and trade. By the 1850s, Hamilton was a city focused on manufacturing. It’s county courthouse (built in the late 1800s) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its monument-style architecture. One finds three historic districts in Hamilton which boasts homes from the turn of the 19th century. In 1986, the city changed its name to “Hamilton!” The city has been honored several awards includes a Silver Excellence in Economic Development.
One person renovated three row houses in the downtown area and a whole new trend began. Restoration fever has come to Hamilton and there is a resurgence of community involvement. Even the local government has joined the movement by adding brick sidewalks and street lights that look like old-fashioned gas lamps. Those with an enterprising spirit will find a splendid variety of building designs in this city with a small- town feeling. There are fine old row houses and grand mansions in the historic Highland Park district which covers two blocks and eight streets. Find a combination of small houses and mansions in the German Village Historic District with many fine examples of 19th century architecture including Queen Anne, Italianate, Eastlake and Gothic Revival. Some neighborhoods have grand old homes on streets that are divided by a tree-lined median. With big city amenities and small-town charm, Hamilton continues to retain the character of the city’s past while sharpening its focus on a bright future. Reflecting the community’s commitment to the arts is the array of sculptures decorating the downtown. Designated as “The City of Sculpture” Hamilton is home to a brilliant inventory of art and sculpture.
Transportation
The City of Hamilton is ideally situated for easy access to a network of interstate highways - I-275, I-75, I-71 and U.S. 127. Highway 129 is a direct link to Hamilton from I-75. Ohio Routes 4, 128, 129 and 177 are also in close proximity. Hamilton has an efficient rail and truck service. City bus lines provide intra-city service as well as routes to Cincinnati, Dayton and Middletown. The City of Hamilton has its own all-weather airport with air taxi to and from Cincinnati and Dayton municipal airports.
Hospitals
Fort Hamilton Hospital (part Kettering Health Network) has over 300 beds and offers neonatal and oncology services. TriHealth Bethesda Butler Hospital and Mercy Health - Fairfield (the only hospital in Butler County to offer open heart surgery) serve Hamilton’s residents. Children’s Hospital Liberty Campus is located in Liberty Township. The Hamilton Health Center provides offices for primary care physicians. The city is served by the Butler County Health Department. The fire department provides emergency ambulance service. Private ambulance service is also available.
Shopping
The principal shopping areas of Hamilton include: downtown, the west side and Lindenwald. The primary shopping centers are Hamilton Plaza, Town and Country, Twinbrook Hills and Hamilton West. Bridgewater Falls off Princeton Road in Fairfield Township is a 30-minute drive and has 30 shopping destinations as well as restaurants. Northgate Mall is also within 30-minutes driving time.
Recreation
There are five Butler County parks within 15 miles of Hamilton offering picnic and play facilities comprising 1,100 plus acres supervised by the park department. Rentchler Forest MetroPark and the Line Hill Mound connect to the Great Miami River Trail. This trail is popular among cyclists, walkers, runners and for those exercising their pets.
The City of Hamilton has four outdoor splash parks and one indoor swimming pool, one private swim and tennis club. There are two municipal 18-hole golf courses (Twin Run Golf Course and Potters Golf Course). The city has 31 tennis courts, indoor-outdoor tennis club, and an outdoor sports arena. There are many supervised city playgrounds. Boating and water skiing are available on the Great Miami River. Hamilton residents enjoy numerous bike paths and walking trails. Marcum Park is located on Main Street and has lots of green space to enjoy.
Sixteen miles northwest of Hamilton lies Hueston Woods State Park, with 600-acre Acton Lake, offering complete recreation, camping facilities, lodge and cabins. The Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park offers a unique outdoor display of 30 pieces of sculpture in a natural setting. Recreational sports include Little League, Youth Football, Soccer, and Softball.
RiversEdge Amphitheater is located on the riverfront between downtown and the German Village Historic District. The development includes a park, trail and is a popular place for summer concerts. The Booker T. Washington Community Center has 13 acres of parkland with a baseball field, basketball court, tennis, playground and shelter house. Inside the center, residents enjoy using the meeting rooms, game room, gym and indoor swimming pool.
Plans are in place for the Spooky Nook mega sports complex at the former site of the Champion Paper Mill. When completed, it will be one of the largest sports facilities in the U.S. and will include a hotel and convention center.
For those into the arts, the Fitton Center for Creative Arts offers many classes and exhibits. The Fairfield Symphony Orchestra provides musical enjoyment. The Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park features outdoor art. Miami University’s Hamilton campus features a public conservatory with many exotic plants to enjoy. The historic Robinson-Schwenn Building on campus is a multi-use center and hosts live music, lectures, art displays and theatrical performances. RiversEdge is located in the downtown area and hosts free outdoor concerts while you view the Great Miami River.
Love donuts? You can indulge your sweet tooth along the Butler County Donut Trail. Find a sweet donut shop along the way!
Lifestyle
Check out these local highlights by area experts!
