A history of equality at Otterbein

Our Franklin County Historical Marker Tour heads north to one of the oldest universities in the region.

The marker: Otterbein University, across from Courtright Memorial Library in Westerville.

Flashback: The university was founded in 1847 and named after Philip William Otterbein, a German American pastor who started a predecessor to the United Methodist Church.

• It was a coeducational campus from the beginning, with two women in the first graduating class.

The intrigue: Early university officials were involved in emancipation, per a school history , assisting people fleeing slavery along the Underground Railroad.

Fun fact: Famous alumni include Columbus native and MLB star Paul O'Neill and composer Benjamin Hanby ("Up On the House Top").

• The university received national attention for hosting a presidential debate in 2019.

4️⃣2️⃣ down , 86 to go .

Thanks to our series sponsor Ohio History Connection . Sponsorship has no influence on editorial content.

Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.