Thomasville to mark bicentennial in 2026; McKinley visit recalled

Thomasville City will mark its bicentennial in 2026, a presenter said, recalling a March 1895 visit by then-Ohio Governor William McKinley. The presenter said McKinley stayed with industrialist Mark Hannah at a Dawson Street home and ‘‘charmed Republican delegates, which secured him the nomination, then election, as the 25th president.’’

The announcement framed the bicentennial as both a commemoration and a way to inspire future civic activity. The presenter opened with the line, "Thomasville is celebrating our bicentennial in 2026," and closed with the slogan, "Honoring our history, inspiring our future."

City officials did not provide a schedule of events, budget details, or specific next steps in the transcript. The remarks focused on local historical context — including the Hannah family connection and the house on Dawson Street — and positioned the anniversary as an opportunity for civic celebration and reflection.

No formal actions, votes, or event plans were recorded in the provided transcript excerpt. Additional details about planned events, funding, or an official bicentennial committee were not specified in the remarks provided.