Historic Westmoreland

Westmoreland, a residential neighborhood in Toledo, Ohio, was designated a historic district by the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. The architectural diversity of its homes makes Westmoreland unique among urban subdivisions. A homeowner’s organization, The Westmoreland Association, was established in 1919 and is committed to preserving the unique character of the neighborhood. Association activities include organizing social events and home tours, maintaining a block watch program, publishing a newsletter, the Westmoreland Gazette, and working to enhance common areas. A volunteer Board of Directors oversees the activities of the Association.

In the spring of 1916, real estate developers William B. Welles and Badger C. Bowen saw similarities to rolling Virginia in what was then called Washington, Ohio. They proceeded to plat 323 residential lots and named the area Westmoreland after the Eastern Virginia county in which George Washington was born. Appropriately, the streets were named after other Virginia namesakes: Mount Vernon, Richmond, Potomac and Shenandoah.

Lots sold rapidly and by 1917 construction in Westmoreland had begun. William Welles’ home at 2005 Mount Vernon was completed in 1919. Badger Bowen’s home at 2048 Richmond was completed in 1923.

Many prominent people who contributed to the early development of Toledo resided in Westmoreland: Folger, Speiker, Doehler, Pinkerton, McKesson, Moburg, Ohlinger, and Fruchtman, to name a few.

Construction continued through the 1930′s. Today Westmoreland has 216 homes occupying the original 323 lots. As a result of careful planning and development, the neighborhood has many park-like settings and open areas where the beauty of nature can be enjoyed.