Mount Washington was laid out in 1846 and received its city rights in 1867. The community was annexed by the City of Cincinnati in 1911.
Business district
Mount Washington is home to numerous small businesses, many of them located along Beechmont Avenue / Ohio State Route 125 in the main neighborhood business district, "The Mount Washington Water Tower District" is sometimes referred to as "Uptown" as a means of distinguishing it from other business districts, including Downtown Cincinnati and the two other districts in Mount Washington. Businesses include Water Tower Fine Wines, Ramundo's Pizza, Sweets & Meats BBQ, Mt. Washington Creamy Whip & Bakery, Mt. Washington Jewelry, and Mr. Lock locksmith, as well as local outlets of Wendy's, LaRosa's Pizza, PNC Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Walgreens, and Kroger. Gold Star Chili was started in Mount Washington with the purchase of Hamburger Heaven in 1965, although the original location no longer exists. A recipe for Cincinnati chili was included in the sale.
Community organizations
Mt. Washington Community Council is the official representative voice of the neighborhood to the City of Cincinnati. MWCC ensures that neighborhood development responds to the needs and goals of its citizens. MWCC is also a vehicle for communication and engagement. Public meetings are held the third Wednesday of every month at the Mt. Washington Recreation Center. The Mt. Washington Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation represents the member businesses in the neighborhood. Mt. Washington is also served by an active American Legion, Post 484, and Masonic Lodge, Yeatman Lodge #162
Beechmont Avenue reconstruction and evolution
Beechmont Avenue in western Mount Washington, prior to the 2002-2003 widening, featured reversible lanes. When the street was widened, two additional lanes were added between the western Corporation Line and Wasigo Drive, with one additional lane between Wasigo Drive and Corbly Street. Sidewalks, trees and curbs were also added along the route as well as a bike lane into the business district.
Schools
Three grade schools are located in Mount Washington:
Sands Montessori, a magnet school now housed in a new building on the site formerly housing the Eastern Hills Elementary and Junior High Schools
The Archbishop McNicholas High School is also located in Mount Washington, across from Guardian Angels. Mount Washington is also home to the Athenaeum of Ohio, located at the eastern gateway to Mount Washington, the intersection of Beechmont Avenue and Burney Lane. The campus is owned by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and is known for its architecture. Many of the records for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati are located at the campus library. It is common to see the Franciscan Monks walking or riding their bikes, barefoot, throughout the neighborhood.
Parks
Cincinnati Park Board operates the Stanbery Park on Oxford Avenue between Corbly Street and Crestview Place. This park is named after Brigadier General Sanford B. Stanbery, who was the highest-ranking officer from Hamilton County in World War I. The Tudor-style Stanbery house used to be located on park grounds, but was demolished as part of a park improvement program. The park facilities include a paved walking area, hiking trails, playground equipment, and a picnic shelter. Mt. Washington Cemetery is located on Sutton Ave.
Community events
Three large festivals are held throughout the year in Mt. Washington. Guardian Angels Church conducts a large church festival in the summer, complete with games, food, live music and gambling. The Pumpkin Chuck, produced by the Mt. Washington Community Council, is held the first Saturday after Halloween. The highlight of this festival is the three hand-built trebuchets, while launch pumpkins into the Stanbery Park ravine. The Holiday Walk, produced by MWCURC, is held the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. Businesses offer free activities and games for families, choirs from local schools perform, free carriage rides are offered, Santa takes pictures with children, and a ceremonial lighting of the Mt. Washington Water Tower ends the event. An Independence Day parade is held each year, on a route going through the business district on Beechmont Ave. Additionally, Sands Montessori has a large carnival held in the fall, and the American Legion Post 484 has a carnival the first weekend in August.
