Fostoria, Ohio
Fostoria (/fɒsˈtʊəriːə/, foss-TORR-EE-ə) is a city located at the convergence of Hancock, Seneca, and Wood counties in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Ohio. The population was 13,046 at the 2020 Census, slightly down from 13,441 at the 2010 Census. It is approximately 40 miles (64 km) south of Toledo and 90 miles (140 km) north of Columbus. The community grew substantially during the end of the 19th century, coinciding with the northwest Ohio gas boom. Typical of Rust Belt cities, Fostoria peaked in size in 1970.
Fostoria, Ohio | |
|---|---|
Main Street in downtown Fostoria | |
Location of Fostoria, Ohio | |
Location of Fostoria in Seneca County | |
| Coordinates: 41°09′47″N 83°23′55″W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Ohio |
| Counties | Seneca, Hancock, Wood |
| Area | |
| • Total | 7.79 sq mi (20.18 km2) |
| • Land | 7.57 sq mi (19.62 km2) |
| • Water | 0.22 sq mi (0.56 km2) |
| Elevation | 774 ft (236 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 13,046 |
| • Density | 1,722.47/sq mi (665.05/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code | 44830 |
| Area code(s) | 419, 567 |
| FIPS code | 39-28014 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1086945 |
| Website | fostoriaohio.gov |
The city is known for its railroads, as approximately 100 trains pass through the city each day. The city is often visited by railfans, and a railroad viewing park, constructed in 2013 (dedicated 14 November 2013) hosts many railfans every day in a purpose-built viewing platform. Fostoria was also the home for over a dozen glass factories during the end of the 19th century. The glass factories were established in Fostoria because of the discovery of natural gas in the area. As the gas supply became depleted, many of the factories closed or moved—including the Fostoria Glass Company. Fostoria's most famous citizen is Charles Foster (son of the man who helped establish Fostoria), who became governor of Ohio.