20 Ohio towns you’re probably pronouncing wrong

Ohio holds a rich history, infused with various cultures from all over the world.

From France to Russia to Peru, settlers from across the globe have made an impact on the towns Ohioans live in today — specifically, their names.

While the names may seem easy to pronounce, they’re frequently said incorrectly. For example, the town of Wooster is actually pronounced WUSS-tur. Here’s a list of a few Ohio towns and the correct way to say their names.

During the 1890s, the city of Bellefontaine was known to be an important terminal of the Big Four Railroad Company. Not much remains of the Logan County town’s railroad history today.

Berlin is known to be the “heart of Amish Country” in Ohio. On Berlin’s main street there is a plethora of Amish shops, dining spots and inns to stay at. There are a wide range of leisure activities such as visiting the Amish farms or shopping at the farmer’s market.

Founded in 1803, Cadiz was named after the Spanish city Cádiz of Spain. The city played a role in helping slaves escape to Canada during the mid-nineteenth century through the Underground Railroad.

Located in Mercer County, Celina can be found a little over 50 miles north of Dayton. The city was established in 1834 and was named after the city of Salina in New York.

The city of Chauncey attracted many people back in the 1900s after opening up the coal mines for work. Once known as a kingdom for the coal industry in the 1900s, the mines closed in the 1950s.

Once known as Mechanicsburg during the early 1800s, is known today as Chilo. The village’s name was changed in 1820. You can find this town along the Ohio River in Clermont County.

Also known as the “City of the Gauls,” this old French settlement was founded in the late 17th century by French immigrants and considers itself “the old French city.”

This village is located in Licking County, Ohio, and was founded in 1827. During its earlier time, Hebron was known for its location because it was founded on the juncture of the Ohio River, the Erie Canal, and the National Railroad.

Named after Harvey Houston, the town of Houston was established in 1838. Houston is located in Shelby County, in northern Loramie Township.

Located near Hocking River in Fairfield County, the city’s name was shortened from New Lancaster to Lancaster in 1805. Lancaster boomed to life with commerce and real estate once the Lancaster Lateral Canal opened in 1834.

The city of Lima was established in 1831 and was named after the Peruvian capital.

Nicknamed the “Constitution Town,” Louisville is located in Northern Canton. It was originally spelled Lewisville, but the founders realized there was already a Lewisville in Ohio, thus changing the spelling to Louisville.

Located in Portage County, the village of Mantua was named after the Italian city, Mantua in 1898. There are three historic properties in the village: the Horace L. Hine House, the Mantua Station Brick Commercial District, and the William H. Crafts House.

Located in Clermont County, the village of Moscow is a small and quiet town just a few miles east of Cincinnati.

This Ohio village is nothing similar to the Rio Grande River that lies between the U.S. and Mexico — not even in pronunciation. However, it does have Hispanic ties after being named to commemorate the Mexican-American war in 1846-1848.

This Ohio village holds a rich history with how it was named. French-speaking Swiss veteran migrants were some of the first settlers in the town. The residents named the village to honor a war they fought with Russia.

Scioto County is located along the Ohio River in the southern-central region of Ohio. Its name is derived from a Native American word for deer or deer-hunting.

Versailles

Pronounced: ver SALES

Named after the city in France, Versailles is located in Darke County, and is the only village in Wayne Township. In 1819, it was originally named Jacksonville after Andrew Jackson, however, many residents were of French descent and believed it would be best if it was named Versailles. The change occurred in 1837.

Like most European-name-based Ohio towns, Vienna is not pronounced the same as the Austrian capital. Located in Trumbull County, this Italian food-loving, winery-boasting, family-friendly township is a hot spot for a weekend getaway.

About 50 miles south of Cleveland, the city of Wooster was named after David Wooster, an American Revolutionary War general. Looking for an outdoors-y adventure? Take a hike in Wooster Memorial Park, or visit the Secrest Arboretum.