Township History & Mission
Early Settlement and Founding
Jefferson Township in Fayette County, Ohio traces its roots back over two centuries. Established in 1810 and named in honor of President Thomas Jefferson, it was one of the county’s original townships (one of 24 Jefferson Townships statewide). Early settlers were drawn by the fertile, level land between Rattlesnake and Sugar Creeks – rich black soil that yielded abundant grain harvests. By the early 1800s pioneer families had built homesteads here, clearing dense hardwood forests to create farms and a close-knit rural community. Jefferson Township’s agricultural foundation fostered a spirit of hard work, self-reliance, and neighborly cooperation that still shapes its character today.
Growth of Jeffersonville and Township Life
As the population grew, residents saw the need for a local trade center. In 1831, Walter B. Wright and Chipman Robinson laid out the village of Jeffersonville on 100 acres, selling town lots for $5 each to establish a much-needed trading post for the farming community. The little village soon blossomed: the first log cabins and shops appeared along Main Street, and Jeffersonville was duly incorporated in 1838. Throughout the 19th century, Jeffersonville served as the commercial and social heart of the township – a place where farmers came to buy supplies, attend church, visit the blacksmith and grain mills, and catch up on news. By 1880, the township’s fortunes were rising alongside new infrastructure. An east–west state road and the arrival of the railroad (the Detroit & Southern line) linked the area to larger markets, bringing new industries and opportunities. One report in 1880 noted that business in Jeffersonville had “made rapid strides” with not a single vacant house in the village. Indeed, the township’s population grew steadily – by 1910 Jefferson Township (including Jeffersonville) was home to roughly 2,700 residents, making it a small but thriving rural community. Neighbors in outlying hamlets like West Lancaster and Parrott also contributed to a lively township life, though Jeffersonville remained the principal hub. Through these years, a tradition of community involvement took root: local families organized churches, built one-room schoolhouses, and served in township roles, all nurturing a strong sense of civic pride.
Modern Development and Infrastructure
The 20th and 21st centuries have brought significant change and growth to Jefferson Township while preserving its rural charm. Located along Interstate 71 roughly halfway between Columbus and Cincinnati, the township gained strategic importance as modern highways and infrastructure developed. Easy access to I-71 (via the U.S. 35 interchange) encouraged commerce and visitors to the area. In recent decades, Jefferson Township welcomed new businesses – from light industry to popular retail. A prime example is the large outlet shopping center near Jeffersonville, which draws travelers off the interstate and provides jobs and amenities for locals. Even as the economy diversified beyond agriculture, the township retained its friendly small-town atmosphere and scenic farmland vistas. Jeffersonville remains Fayette County’s second-largest municipality, and the township as a whole balances progress with the peaceful, “country living” lifestyle that residents cherish. Today, Jefferson Township features exceptional educational institutions and family-oriented recreation, truly offering “the benefits of the city in a quiet rural setting”.
A new chapter in the township’s story is unfolding with a major development in the region: a Honda/LG Energy Solution electric vehicle battery plant is being constructed just outside Jeffersonville. Situated on a 1,500-acre “megasite” at the I-71/U.S. 35 junction, this state-of-the-art facility represents a $3.5 billion investment in the community. Once operational, the plant is projected to create around 2,200 new jobs, bringing an unprecedented economic opportunity to Jefferson Township and surrounding areas. Township leaders have warmly welcomed Honda and LG’s joint venture, grateful that the companies selected Jefferson Township, Fayette County as their new home. This development is poised to bolster the local tax base, spur supporting businesses, and attract new families to the area. Just as importantly, it places Jefferson Township on the map as an integral part of Ohio’s growing high-tech manufacturing corridor. The township finds itself evolving from a quiet agricultural community into a key player in broader regional development – all while keeping its identity rooted in Midwestern hospitality.
Our Mission and Vision for the Future
Through all these changes, Jefferson Township’s core values have remained constant. We are a community that takes pride in our heritage, values our neighbors, and works together toward shared prosperity. The township government and residents alike are committed to managed growth that improves quality of life for all. Our mission today is to honor the legacy of those early pioneers – their perseverance, community spirit, and optimism – by ensuring that Jefferson Township remains a welcoming, forward-looking place to live and work. We strive to provide excellent services (from road maintenance to fire & EMS) and to foster an environment where businesses and families can thrive side by side. Embracing opportunities like the new Honda EV battery plant aligns with our goal of sustainable development: we seek to create jobs and modern amenities while preserving our rural character and small-town feel.
Jefferson Township’s vision for the future is one of unity and progress. We see our township as both a guardian of tradition and a partner in regional innovation. By leveraging our advantageous location and strong community bonds, we aim to continue growing in a way that benefits our residents and our neighbors in Fayette County and beyond. In collaboration with the Village of Jeffersonville, county officials, and regional partners, we are planning for improved infrastructure, housing, and services to meet new demands. Yet even as we grow, we remain civic-minded and community-focused – the friendly wave from a passing neighbor, the volunteerism at local events, and the beautiful countryside at the township’s borders will always be defining features of Jefferson Township.
Commitment to Growth and Community: Above all, Jefferson Township is committed to growth that goes hand-in-hand with community values. Our township will continue to welcome new ventures, families, and ideas with open arms. At the same time, we pledge to look after our neighbors, uphold our local traditions, and keep Jefferson Township a place where history is honored, community thrives, and the future is bright. In doing so, we embrace our role in the broader regional development while ensuring that our hometown remains as warm and special as ever.
References
Allen, Frank M. History of Fayette County, Ohio. Indianapolis, IN: B.F. Bowen & Company, 1914.
Dills, R. S. History of Fayette County, Ohio: Her People, Industries and Institutions. Dayton, OH: Odell & Mayer, 1881.
Ohio History Central. “Jefferson Township, Fayette County.” Ohio History Connection.
https://ohiohistorycentral.orgJeffersonville Historical Society archives (Jeffersonville, Ohio).
Fayette County Chamber of Commerce. “Economic Development and Growth.”
Ohio Department of Transportation. “Interstate 71 and U.S. Route 35 Infrastructure Developments.”
Honda Newsroom. “Honda and LG Energy Solution Announce New EV Battery Plant in Fayette County, Ohio.”
https://hondanews.comVillage of Jeffersonville. Official Village Records and Archives.
Historical information compiled from public domain texts, state and local government sources, and official press releases.