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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.

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Wooster, WUSS tur

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.
Photo: Facebook.com/WoosterChamber

Bellefontiane, behl FOWN ten

During the 1890s, the city of Bellefontiane was known to be an important terminal by the Big Four Railroad Company. Not much remains of the Logan County town’s railroad history today.
Photo: Facebook.com/DowntownBellefontaine

Berlin, BUR lynn

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.
Photo: Facebook.com/BerlinOhio

Cadiz, KA dis

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.
Photo: Plesmond, CC BY-SA 3.0

Celina, Suh LY nah

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.
Photo: Facebook.com/DowntownCelinaOhio

Chauncey, CHANCE ee

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.
Photo: Nyttend, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Chilo, SHY lo

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.
Photo: Aesopposea, CC BY-SA 3.0

Gallipolis, Gal ih police

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."
Photo: Kurt Tarvis, CC BY 4.0

Hebron, HEE brun

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.
Photo: explorelc.org

Houston, HOUSE tuhn

Named after Harvey Houston, the town of Houston was established in 1838. Houston is located in Shelby County, in northern Loramie Township.
Photo: Nyttend, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Lancaster, Lang kuhss tur

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.
Photo: David Wilson, CC BY 2.0