Ohio is a small rural community and near-ghost town located in south Hamilton County, Texas. The settlement traces its origins to the late 1870s, when William T. Baker, a settler originally from the state of Ohio, established himself along Plum Creek. The community took its name directly from Baker’s home state.

Early Development

• Settlement: William T. Baker arrived around 1877. His Ohio roots provided the name for the settlement.

• Post Office: A post office was established in 1882, with Baker serving as its first postmaster. The post office became the central institution of the small community.

20th-Century Decline

• Closure of Post Office: The Ohio post office operated until 1920, after which it was discontinued.

• Population Records: Census and other historical records show that the population remained very small throughout the first half of the 20th century. Both the 1930 and 1940 censuses list Ohio with only 20 residents.

• Maps: The community continued to appear on official maps up to 1948.

Later Status

By the late 20th century, Ohio’s presence had diminished considerably. In 1990, reports noted only a few scattered houses in the area. The settlement was no longer identified as an active town but was recognized as a historical rural community site in Hamilton County.

Facts Summary

• Location: Hamilton County, Texas, along Plum Creek.

• Founded: Circa 1877 by William T. Baker.

• Name: Derived from Baker’s home state of Ohio.

• Post Office: Established in 1882, closed in 1920.

• Population: 20 residents in both 1930 and 1940.

• Mapping: Still shown on maps through 1948.

• Condition in 1990: Only a few houses remained.