Delaware County, Ohio

1897 Memorial Tree Abraham Depp Freedom Station Africa Community American Legion Post 115 Veterans Memorial Bellpoint Buccaneers / Bellpoint High School Benajah Cook Sawmill and Farmstead Bharatiya Hindu Temple Birthplace of Gen. Wm. S. Rosecrans Camp Delaware Cherry, Judge, Luckett Memorial Concord Township Veterans Memorial Cornstalk's Visit and the Negotiators' Escape Courthouse Hill / The Plum Orchard Delaware County Civil War Memorial Delaware County War on Terrorism Memorial Delaware County World War I Memorial Delaware County World War I Memorial Delaware County World War II Memorial Delaware County: Anti-Slavery Stronghold / The Underground Railroad Eddy, Kroener, and Riesz Memorial Edwards Gymnasium / Home of High School Basketball Tournaments Elliott Hall Field Musician Richard W. Thompson First Jain Temple in Central Ohio / History of Jainism in Ohio Former Site of Berlin School Galena Galena War Memorial George W. Campbell Home Grand Carousel Hoover Reservoir James Kilbourne / Anson Williams Kingwood Memorial Park Veterans Memorial Liberty Presbyterian Church / Nathan Carpenter Lucy Depp Park & The Depp Settlement Major General William Starke Rosecrans / Glacial Erratics Mulzer Mill Complex Mulzer Mill Complex Oak Grove Cemetery and Arboretum Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorial Old City Hall and Opera House Old Stone Church Ostrander Town Pump Ostrander Veterans Memorial Patrick J. Foley Memorial Bridge Pioneer Radio Telescope / Big Ear Radio Telescope Pluggy's Town Polish Patriot Thaddeus Kosciusko Powell WW I Memorial Purple Heart Memorial Radnor Cemetery Lych Gate Radnor Presbyterian Log Church Rutherford B. Hayes Rutherford B. Hayes Birthplace Scioto Park Stone #1 Scioto Park Stone #2 Scioto Park Stone #3 Scioto Park Stone #4 Sharp Family Homes Site of Pluggy's Town Site of the First Ohio State Football Game Sunbury Veterans Memorial Sunbury, Ohio / Sunbury Town Hall The Delaware County Fair / Little Brown Jug The Four Chaplains The Gooding House and Tavern / Rural Taverns in Early Ohio History The Harrison Trail The March 1913 Flood The Sulphur Spring The Union Land Company and the Case Family / The Olentangy River Road Thomas Cellar University Hall and Gray Chapel War Savings Stamps Wesley Branch Rickey William Street United Methodist Church / Rutherford B. Hayes, 19th President of the United States Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church "Meet Me In St. Louis" Home
Delaware County, Ohio, located in the central part of the state, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Delaware and Shawnee people. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to establish farms and settlements in the region.

Formally established in 1808, Delaware County was named after the Delaware Tribe. The county's early economy was primarily agricultural, with farmers cultivating crops such as corn, wheat, and tobacco. The development of infrastructure, including canals and railroads, boosted commerce and facilitated the transport of goods to larger markets.

Delaware County played a significant role in the abolitionist movement during the 19th century. The town of Delaware, the county seat, was home to several prominent abolitionists, including Harriet Beecher Stowe. The county's location along the Underground Railroad made it an important stop for escaped slaves on their way to freedom in Canada.

The 20th century brought rapid growth and urbanization to Delaware County. The discovery of natural resources, such as oil and gas, led to economic prosperity in the region. The county saw the construction of significant infrastructure projects, including highways and modern utilities, which attracted more businesses and residents.

Today, Delaware County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Ohio, experiencing substantial population growth and ongoing development. While the county continues to embrace its agricultural roots, it is also becoming a thriving suburban community, known for its excellent schools, vibrant local businesses, and beautiful natural scenery.
Brief timeline of the history of Delaware County, Ohio:

  • 1803: Delaware County is established on February 10, following the organization of the state of Ohio.
  • 1817: The county seat is moved from Delaware to Berlin, which is later renamed Delaware and remains the county seat to this day.
  • 1829: The first newspaper in the county, called the Delaware Gazette, is established.
  • 1833: The first railroad line, the Delaware and Sandusky Railroad, is built in the county.
  • 1851: The Ohio Wesleyan University is established in Delaware.
  • 1862: Delaware County sends troops to fight in the American Civil War, contributing to the Union Army.
  • 1908: The first paved road is constructed in Delaware County.
  • 1911: The town of Powell is incorporated in Delaware County.
  • 1940: The Delaware Dam is completed, creating Delaware Lake.
  • 1976: Ohio Wesleyan University celebrates its sesquicentennial anniversary.
  • 1999: Delaware County's population surpasses 100,000 residents, marking a period of significant growth.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Delaware County, Ohio.