Native American tribes including Paleo-Indians and the Wyandot originally lived on the land that is now Westerville OH until they were forced to leave Ohio in 1843. Europeans arrived in 1810, followed by a Dutch family known as the Westervelts in 1818. The area was named Westerville in homage.
Westerville OH was platted in 1856 before incorporating in 1858. During this era, several local homes provided safe passage for escaping slaves along the Underground Railroad. In 1859, alcohol sales were prohibited, which lasted through most of the twentieth century.
In the present day, Otterbein University educates approximately 3,000 students. The T. Marzettie Company, Lancaster Colony Corporation, and Mac Tools are headquartered in the area.