The community of Madisonville, Ohio’s first permanent settler was Joseph Ward, a Revolutionary War veteran from New Jersey. Joseph and his two sons are believed to have built the first house here, a log cabin in 1797, along an old Indian trail (near what is now Whetsel). It was established in 1809 as Madison in honor of the newly elected fourth president of the United States, James Madison. The name was changed to Madisonville in 1926 to avoid duplication of another Madison, Ohio, town. Today, Madisonville is being revitalized starting with its business district. There are plans for new housing, including some residential condos and apartments. It boasts a new Community Arts Center with an art gallery, an auditorium, studio shop and multi-purpose classrooms. It is proud of its newly built school, the $15-million, 98,000-square-foot Shroder High, 7–12. The $62-million Fifth Third Bancorp’s office complex here houses some 1,725 bank employees (moved from their downtown offices). Children’s Home, an agency serving at-risk children and their families, is here. Its YMCA on Desmond Street offers a gym, dance studio and weight room. Madisonville attracts newcomers for its affordable housing and proximity to such amenities as shopping and dining places.

Contributed by: Huff Realty