In the 19th century, Robert Brotherton of White Hall, England obtained a 156-acre plot of land, located between Alum Creek and Big Walnut Creek. A portion of the property became the site of Ye Olde Whitehall Tavern, a popular overnight stagecoach stop along the famous National Road, which extended westward from the Cumberland Pass.
In the late 19th century, the land and tavern were sold to Abram Doney. A small farm community developed and the name “Whitehall” was unofficially adopted.
In 1910, Abram’s son, Samuel, inherited the entire estate and sold it in one-acre lots, creating what is now known as “Old Whitehall.”
Gradually, the community grew until its incorporation as a village in 1947. That same year, Town & Country, the nation’s first regional shopping center, opened in Whitehall.
After World War II, the demand for housing by returning veterans gave rise to residential construction, which includes the twin singles and townhouses of English Village and Parklawn manor and the single-family prefabricated homes in the Norton Field subdivision. These solidly built units, now over 40 years old, have proven to be extremely serviceable and remain affordable for many young, hardworking families.
In the early 1950s, Whitehall was the nation’s fastest growing city. Overall, population jumped from 4,077 in 1950 to 20,818 in 1960. Today, population has leveled at approximately 20,500.
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