Recognition sought for site where Whiskey Wars began

WESTERVILLE, Ohio (AP) — The central Ohio neighborhood that was a ground base for the Whiskey Wars should be recognized as a historic site, a state board told the National Park Service.

Purley Baker and his Anti-Saloon League of America staged their Prohibition campaign from this Columbus suburb, home to Otterbein College. Advocates are petitioning Washington to include the 11-acre Temperance Row District on the National Register of Historic Places.

“The Anti-Saloon Leaguers essentially put Westerville on the map as the dry capital of the world,” said Bill Merriman, president of the Westerville Historical Society.

Baker, who led the movement from 1903 to 1924, lived in the neighborhood, along with other figures from his cause. The members rallied anti-alcohol sentiment and urged local officials to enforce existing liquor laws. Working through churches, the Anti-Saloon League supported anti-alcohol candidates on a town-by-town basis, regardless of political party, and worked toward a national Prohibition on alcohol.

Westerville, a city of about 35,000 on the capital’s northeast edge, has long embraced the Prohibition-era history. The Westerville Public Library has a museum chronicling the Anti-Saloon League’s efforts, and the city didn’t allow its first liquor license until 2000.

The National Park Service typically follows state recommendations. The 17-member Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board, appointed by the governor, made its recommendation on Friday. The park service is expected to consider the request for 45 days.

More than 30,000 properties are added every year to the register.