Historical Markers in
Ashtabula County, Ohio

1001 1003 1005 1006 1009 1010 1012 1016 1017 1018 1020 1022 1023 1024 1025 1025 1028 1029 1032 1034 1035 1035 1036 1038 1104 1105 1116 1119 1123 1127 1135 1147 Adna R. Chaffee American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial Ashtabula Harbor Commercial District Ashtabula Train Disaster Bascule Lift Bridge Betsey Mix Cowles Christ Church Episcopal Civil War Memorial Colonel Alexander Harper Conneaut Historical Railroad Museum Conneaut Viaduct Gas Stations Harpersfield Harpersfield Covered Bridge Henry Kalinowski Hopper Car and Caboose Hotel Ashtabula In Memory of Those Joshua R. Giddings Law Office Lakeshore Park Main Pavilion Lance Corporal Kevin M. Cornelius, USMC Miniature Golf Mother of Sorrows Church Nickel Plate Road Berkshire Locomotive No. 755 Old Time Ball Signal PA-OH Border Monument Peleg Sweet Pera's Kiddieland Pergola Gardens Pier Ballroom Point Park Prehistoric Earthworks / The Prehistoric Erie Pymatuning Wetlands / Pymatuning Reservoir Ransom E. Olds-Birthplace Shady Beach Ship Air Funnel The Ashtabula River The Giant Hulett The Hubbard House The New Inn The Popcorn Ball The Run Away Lake Erie Buoy The Western Reserve The Western Reserve This Veterans Memorial Township of Andover Veterans Memorial Upon This Tablet Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Western Reserve World War II Memorial "Steady" Ed Headrick
The Ohio Statehouse, located in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the oldest working statehouses in the United States. Construction on the building began in 1839 and was completed in 1861.
Ohio random facts
Located in northeastern Ohio, Ashtabula County has a rich and varied history that dates back to its early settlement in the late 18th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Erie people, who were later displaced by European colonial powers. In 1797, the Connecticut Land Company purchased the area as part of the Connecticut Western Reserve, leading to the establishment of Ashtabula County in 1808.

During its early years, Ashtabula County experienced rapid growth thanks to its strategic location on Lake Erie. The region became a hub for shipping and trade, with bustling ports in Conneaut and Ashtabula Harbor. The county's agricultural potential also played a significant role in its development, with settlers cultivating crops and establishing farms throughout the area.

In the mid-19th century, Ashtabula County became a center for the iron and coal industries. The discovery of large iron ore deposits, coupled with the availability of coal for fuel, led to the establishment of numerous iron furnaces and steel mills. This led to a period of industrial expansion and economic prosperity, with Ashtabula County known as "the pig iron center of the world."

Unfortunately, this era of prosperity was short-lived, as the decline of the iron and coal industries in the early 20th century led to a period of economic struggle for the county. However, the area eventually rebounded by diversifying its economy and focusing on agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.

Today, Ashtabula County is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, wineries, and outdoor recreational opportunities. It remains an important agricultural center, producing crops such as grapes, apples, and maple syrup. With a rich history and a vibrant present, Ashtabula County continues to thrive as a unique and charming destination in Ohio.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Ashtabula County, Ohio.

  • 1800 - Ashtabula County is established on February 10, 1800.
  • 1805 - The town of Jefferson is established and becomes the county seat.
  • 1811 - The first permanent European settlers arrive in Geneva.
  • 1817 - Ashtabula Harbor is incorporated as a village.
  • 1831 - The Ashtabula Train Disaster occurs, one of the deadliest railroad accidents in U.S. history.
  • 1848 - The Ohio and Pennsylvania Railroad reaches Ashtabula County, improving transportation and trade.
  • 1852 - The Village of Ashtabula Harbor is renamed Ashtabula
  • 1861 - The American Civil War begins, and many young men from Ashtabula County serve in the Union Army.
  • 1870 - The first iron ore shipment from the Mesabi Range in Minnesota arrives at Ashtabula Harbor.
  • 1891 - The lift bridge is built over the Ashtabula River, replacing a swing bridge.
  • 1935 - The Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival is established to celebrate the county's historic covered bridges.
  • 1969 - The Ashtabula County Historical Society is founded to preserve the area's history.
  • 1975 - The Smolen-Gulf Bridge, the longest covered bridge in the United States, is built in Ashtabula County.
  • 1993 - The Great Ashtabula Train Disaster Memorial Park is dedicated to honor the victims of the 1876 train disaster.
  • 2018 - Ashtabula County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.