X for A-Z Challenge

X-Xenia, Ohio

 

The name Xenia (ZEENya) comes form the Greek word Xenia which means "hospitality". In the years before the Civil War many of those who lived here supported the Underground Railroad that helped runaway slaves escape. They risked imprisonment and even death if they were caught.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 There is some pretty area's here but sadly it's claim to fame is the history of weather-related disasters. In 1886 a large portion of the town was destroyed by massive flooding

and at least 22 people were killed but in 1974 Xenia was one 148 tornadoes that hit 13 US states known as the "Super Outbreak" It was in the path that covered 900 square miles and a length of 2,600 miles.

 

 Before and after

 

 

 

 

 

 Before and after

 

 

 

The remains of the Jeep Wrangler factory.....

 

 

 

34 people were killed and more than 10,000 were left homeless. It was one of the most intense storms recorded.

 

The town was hit again with a tornado in 1989 and in 2000 but with less damage.....I guess this is one of those area that is in the "tornado alley".

They refuse to give up and have rebuilt though it all and in fact the Jeep Wranglers

are exported to over 90 countries across the globe and this plant employs 2,500 workers and produces 360 wranglers per shift!

Happy Trails (in a Wrangler)