old union cemetery walking tour - October 18, 1:30 pm
A few of UA’s most famous residents—Woody Hayes and Dave Thomas—are buried in Union Cemetery. This tour flips that commonly-known script. We will explore the older section of the cemetery, near Olentangy River Road and W Dodridge Street, and the lives of lesser-known individuals who settled on our community’s lands in the 1800s.
Before there was an “Upper Arlington,” pioneers came to this area—then called Perry Township—to forge a new life. When Union Cemetery opened as a public burial ground in 1847, its proximity created a desirable option for burials beyond the small family cemeteries that once dotted our landscape.
This walking tour will respectively travel over the grassy grounds and visit the gravesites of several men and women who shaped that era of our community’s landscape. Additionally, Union Cemetery representatives will discuss the early history of the cemetery grounds and lead a short tour of Amanrath Abbey.
ARE YOU A FRIEND OF THE SOCIETY?
As the chief stewards of UA’s history, the Upper Arlington Historical Society strives to preserve our yesterdays for our tomorrows.
As an independent, self-funding non-profit organization, we rely solely on donations and fundraisers.
Our Friends help ensure we have the funds necessary to: preserve and grow our archives; develop educational events and programming; research historical topics of interest; and inspire a passion for the stories of our past.
wall of honor: now accepting applications for 2027 nominees
Each year, a deceased former Upper Arlington resident who brought honor and recognition to our community is selected for the Wall of Honor, with a memorial plaque installed on the Plaza at the Municipal Services Center, 3600 Tremont Road. The idea was conceived by City administration and is a joint project of the Historical Society and the City of Upper Arlington. Its purpose is to honor a deceased resident of Upper Arlington who has contributed greatly to the city, state or nation through his or her achievements.
Do you know someone who made a lasting impact on Upper Arlington? The City and the Upper Arlington Historical Society are seeking nominations for the 2027 Wall of Honor. Applications are officially open and due by Friday, December 4, 2026.
