You ever drive through southeast Ohio and feel like the hills are hiding something? Kinda like there’s a secret just around the bend of State Route 13? Well, if you blink at the right time, you’ll miss it.
I’m talking about Rendville.
According to the latest census data and the Ohio Department of Development, this tiny spot in Perry County officially holds the title of the smallest town in Ohio. We aren't talking "small" like your suburban neighborhood. We're talking a population of 28 people.
Yep. Twenty-eight.
Why Rendville Is More Than a Ghost Town
It’s easy to look at a town with fewer residents than a high school classroom and assume it's just a collection of crumbling porches and overgrown weeds. Honestly, that’s what most people do. They see the "Village of Rendville" sign and keep their foot on the gas.
But Rendville isn't just a footnote in a census report.
It’s actually one of the most historically significant places in the entire Midwest. Back in the late 1800s, this wasn't a quiet hollow. It was a booming coal mining town founded by William P. Rend. At its peak, nearly 2,000 people lived here. It was a melting pot of immigrants and African Americans working side-by-side in the mines, which was almost unheard of at the time.
While most of the country was deeply segregated, Rendville was out here breaking barriers.
✨ Don't miss: Capital City in Malawi: What Most People Get Wrong About Lilongwe
In 1888, the town elected Dr. Isaiah Tuppins as its mayor. That made him the first Black mayor in the entire state of Ohio. Think about that for a second. In the 1880s, a tiny mining village in the Appalachian foothills was more progressive than almost every major city in America.
The Smallest Town in Ohio: By the Numbers
If you’re a data nerd, the numbers for Rendville are wild.
- Total Population: 28 (2020 Census).
- Total Land Area: 0.31 square miles.
- Location: Monroe Township, Perry County.
- Incorporated: 1882.
Now, you might hear some people argue that places like Miltonsburg or even Cynthiana are the "real" smallest towns. Here's the thing: "town" is a loose term. In Ohio, we deal with villages, townships, and cities. Rendville is an incorporated village. That means it has its own government, even if that government basically meets in a living room.
Miltonsburg, over in Monroe County, is its biggest rival for the "smallest" title. For years, they swapped the lead. Sometimes Miltonsburg would have 29 people and Rendville would have 30. As of the last official count, Rendville "won" the race to the bottom with 28 souls.
What Happened to Everyone?
You’ve gotta wonder where 2,000 people go.
It wasn't one single event that shrunk the town. It was a slow bleed. When the coal ran out, the jobs went with it. Then, in the 1930s, the government decided to build State Route 13 right through the middle of the village. They didn't just build a road; they demolished half the buildings.
👉 See also: Why Most Haunted Cemeteries in the US Still Draw Crowds Every Year
The town was literally sliced in two.
Walking around today, you can see the scars. You’ve got the old Baptist church and the Town Hall, but mostly, you’ve got nature reclaiming the lots. It’s quiet. So quiet you can hear the wind through the Wayne National Forest nearby.
Is It Worth the Trip?
If you’re looking for a Starbucks or a boutique hotel, stay in Columbus.
But if you want to feel the weight of history, you should absolutely pull over. The Rendville Historic Preservation Society has been working like crazy to make sure this place doesn't just vanish off the map. They hold "Rendville Day" every September. It’s a big deal. People who moved away decades ago come back, and the population swells from 28 to several hundred for a few hours.
It's sort of beautiful.
You’ve also got the Seven Ranges and the surrounding hills of Perry County. It’s prime driving territory. If you’re a photographer, the lighting in the late afternoon hitting the old wood of the remaining houses is basically gold.
How to Find the Smallest Town in Ohio
If you want to check it out for yourself, it’s about an hour and fifteen minutes southeast of Columbus.
- Take US-33 East toward Lancaster.
- Hop on OH-13 South.
- Keep your eyes peeled once you pass through Corning.
- If you hit the Wayne National Forest boundary, you’ve probably gone too far.
Just remember to be respectful. People actually live here. It’s not a museum or a movie set. It’s their home.
Actionable Next Steps for Travelers
If you’re planning to visit the smallest town in Ohio, don't just drive through. Start by visiting the Rendville Historic Preservation Society website to see when their next public event is scheduled. You can also pair the trip with a visit to the nearby Robinson's Cave in New Straitsville, which has its own crazy history involving the birth of the United Mine Workers.
Pack a lunch, fill up your tank in Lancaster or Athens, and bring a camera. Supporting these tiny Appalachian communities by just showing up and acknowledging their history is the best way to keep them from becoming a true ghost town.