The History of Gallipolis, Ohio
 Gallipolis,
meaning "City of the Gauls," began as a speculation
project of the Scioto Company, which encouraged investors in France to
purchase lands in Ohio; the project proved attractive to the middle class.
Hundreds invested money hoping to find prosperity in America. Upon
arriving, however, the French found the deeds worthless.
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The disillusioned settlers petitioned both Congress and President
Washington for aid. As a result, the Ohio Company sent a group of woodsmen
from Marietta to build a settlement. The French arrived at Gallipolis
October 17, 1790, unaware of the hardships of frontier life, but through
perseverance they established a thriving river trade in a short time.
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In 1803, one of the first acts of Ohio's legislature was the creation of
eight new counties. "Gallia" was given in honor of the
county's first settlers, the "French 500" as they are
known. Gallipolis today still bears the vestiges of the French as a proud
reminder of the county's heritage.
LOCATION AND POPULATION
The City of Gallipolis is located on the Ohio River in Gallia County.
Gallipolis lies 40 miles up river from Huntington, West Virginia, 58 miles
northwest of Charleston, West Virginia, 50 miles west of Marietta, 109
miles southeast of Columbus, and 156 miles east of Cincinnati.
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Gallipolis' population for the 1990 census was 5,085 persons. The Gallia
County population for 1990 was 30,954. Between the 1980 and 1990 census,
the county experienced a 2.84% growth rate. The county's population is
approximately 84.4%rural.
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Gallipolis' population for the 2000 census was 4,180 persons.
Gallipolis Municipal Building
848
Third Avenue
P.
O. Box 339
Gallipolis, Ohio 45631
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