May 15, 2025 - History
Livingston helped make Reynoldsburg the "Birthplace of the Tomato"
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The next time you enjoy a BLT or dip your fries in ketchup, thank Reynoldsburg native Alexander Livingston.
The historical marker: "Livingston House" at 1792 Graham Road.
Flashback: Livingston is famous for having "improved and stabilized the wild tomato for commercial use, producing disease-resistant tomatoes suitable for every taste, soil, and climate," the marker reads.
- He operated a 136-acre seed garden on the site and perfected over a dozen tomato varieties.
Zoom in: The house dates back to the 1860s. It's now a museum and is rented for private parties.
- Free community concerts are played on the lawn and there's a city park nearby.
The intrigue: Reynoldsburg celebrates being the "Birthplace of the Tomato" with an annual festival (Aug. 7-9 this year).
- There's always plenty to do, but one popular event is the "Tomato Wars" — imagine a much messier version of dodgeball. Spain has a famous version, too.
5️⃣7️⃣ down, 74 to go.