Upper Arlington, Ohio, often dubbed UA by locals, is more than just a suburb nestled northwest of downtown Columbus. With its quiet tree-lined streets, iconic landmarks, and a legacy of thoughtful planning, Upper Arlington’s story is woven into the very fabric of central Ohio. As a proud resident for decades who has walked the same oak-shaded sidewalks as those before me, I’m excited to share what makes this neighborhood's past as distinctive as its present.
The Birth of Upper Arlington: From Fields to Foundations
Upper Arlington wasn’t always a suburb. In fact, its origins stretch back over a century, to a time when the land was rolling farmland punctuated by woodlots and wild streams. The story starts in 1913, when brothers Ben and King Thompson purchased roughly 840 acres north of what is now Lane Avenue. Inspired by the gracious, curving streets and park-like settings of Kansas City’s Country Club District, the Thompsons envisioned a neighborhood where architecture and nature lived in harmony.
By 1916, the first lots were platted, and the development began to take on its unique, garden suburb character—winding roads that followed the contours of the land instead of the harsh grid typical of Columbus’s urban core. Sunset Drive, Cambridge Boulevard, and Club Road soon became, and remain, some of the most admired streets in the city.
How Upper Arlington Got Its Name
The neighborhood’s name is a story in itself. Initially, the Thompsons referred to their new community as "The Country Club District," a nod to their inspiration. But when it came time to choose an official city name for incorporation, “Upper Arlington” was selected to distinguish it from the already existing Arlington in neighboring Franklin County. The “Upper” reflects the community’s position north and slightly uphill from the older village. In 1918, the village of Upper Arlington was officially incorporated, with just a handful of families calling it home.
Key Historical Milestones and Community Growth
Over the subsequent decades, Upper Arlington’s boundaries and character evolved:
- World War I and Camp Willis: Early in its history, Upper Arlington was temporarily transformed into Camp Willis—a training ground for the Ohio National Guard. For a brief period in 1916, this peaceful suburb echoed with the bustle of army tents and drills, an episode that added another layer to its rich history. Today, a simple boulder monument on Arlington Avenue near Tremont Road commemorates this unique chapter.
- Growth in the 1920s and 1930s: As prestigious homes began to rise, especially near the Scioto Country Club and along Tremont Road and Redding Road, the area’s reputation for careful design and lush landscaping took root. The city’s original “Golden Bear” logo—now an enduring mascot—took shape during these years.
- Post-War Expansion: Following World War II, a housing boom brought a new wave of families to Upper Arlington. The community expanded east and west, annexing new neighborhoods and blending its original garden suburb ideals with mid-century innovations. The split between “Old Arlington” (east of Reed Road) and “Newer Arlington” is still recognized today.
Notable Landmarks and Institutions
Upper Arlington is dotted with historical sites, civic spaces, and institutions that anchor its sense of place:
- The Mallway: At the heart of “Old Arlington,” the Mallway along Arlington Avenue has served as the city’s commercial and social crossroads for generations. Here, you’ll find local shops, the historic Upper Arlington Library (first opened in 1935), and the old municipal building, with its distinctive white columns.
- Thompson Park: Named for the city’s visionary founders, Thompson Park off Lane Road boasts winding trails and a hilltop vista. The park is frequented year-round by picnicking families and soccer games—its trees rumbling each autumn with the footsteps of eager Trick-or-Treaters.
- Jones Middle School: Housed in a beautiful, collegiate-style building dating back to the 1920s, Jones Middle School—and its iconic bell tower—are local classics, tying generations of alumni to the neighborhood.
- The Tremont Pool: Opened in the late 1940s, Tremont Pool has become a beloved summer gathering spot and a symbol of the city’s commitment to recreation and community spirit.
The Upper Arlington Civic Association and the Fourth of July
You can't talk about Upper Arlington’s heritage without mentioning its legendary Fourth of July parade—the largest and oldest privately funded Independence Day parade in Ohio. The Upper Arlington Civic Association, founded in the 1930s, still organizes this marvel of small-town Americana. Families line Northwest Boulevard as homemade floats, marching bands, and costumed characters stream by, a tradition cherished for nearly a century.
Evolving Yet Unchanging: Upper Arlington Today
As the decades have passed, Upper Arlington has grown and changed, but its commitment to quality—of homes, of public spaces, and of education—remains steadfast. The city’s schools, from Barrington Elementary by Northam Park to Upper Arlington High School (entirely rebuilt in 2021), have consistently ranked among the top in the state, attracting new families generation after generation.
Careful attention to zoning and planning has preserved mature trees and architectural distinction in both older and newer sections. Northam Park, with its bustling Farmers’ Market and lively summer concerts, is a magnet for community activity. Meanwhile, the city has embraced the future through modern library expansions, sustainability initiatives, and a vibrant arts scene seen in public murals and the annual Golden Bear Arts Festival.
Neighborhoods Within the Neighborhood
Upper Arlington is composed of beloved micro-neighborhoods, each with its own personality:
- Southwest UA is prized for classic Tudor and Colonial homes shaded by mature oaks.
- Wickliffe and Greensview offer mid-century charm and family-friendly cul-de-sacs.
- Northwest UA, anchored by the Ohio State University Golf Course, features newer construction and easy access to shopping and the outer belt.
Throughout all of them, old traditions mingle with new arrivals—whether it’s spirited block parties, Fourth of July bike parades, or the hum of conversations in the shops and restaurants lining Lane Avenue.
Why We Love It Here
To live in Upper Arlington is to feel a part of something both rooted and dynamic—a legacy neighborhood shaped by vision, preserved by tradition, and enriched by every new family that plants roots here. From the bell tolls at Jones Middle School to the laughter spilling out of Northam Park, Upper Arlington’s history is not just preserved in archives but lived in daily life.
Take a stroll any autumn afternoon down Tremont Road or along the Mallway, and you’ll see the evidence: a proud community, ever-evolving, always honoring its past.