Historical Markers in
Henry County, Ohio

102 East Washington 105 West Main 107-109-111-113-115 West Washington 116 E. Clinton 123 East Washington 123 West Washington 127 E. Clinton 221 East Washington 535 North Perry 606 North Perry 611 North Perry 613 North Perry 615 North Perry 701 North Perry 709 N. Perry Street 711 North Perry 713 North Perry 719 North Perry Street 720 North Perry 722 & 724 North Perry 723 & 725 North Perry 814 North Perry 828 Oakwood A Tribute To Our Military American Legion Post 454 Veterans Memorial Building the Church C. C. 'Bud' Rodenberger C.C. "Bud" Rodenberger Church School House Civil War Camp Latty Deshler Pirate Park Deshler Veterans Memorial Draining the Great Black Swamp Fallen Soldiers Battle Cross First Bell and New Foundation First Presbyterian Church Flag Pole Flood of 1982 Floral Hall Florida Florida United Methodist Church Fredrick Steward Memorial Park Freedom Is Not Free Giffey Hall Girty's Island Glenwood Memorial Grelton Veterans Memorial Heath-Colton G.A.R. Civil War Memorial Henry County Sheriff's Office Henry County Veterans Bridge Henry County's Fallen Heroes History of DT&I Railroad Holgate Veterans Memorial Hope Lutheran Church Veterans Memorial Flag James Durbin Kevin Sonnenberg Laskey Family Hickory Grove Lest We Forget Liberty Center Liberty Center Liberty Center, Ohio / Wabash Depot Lloyd W. Franz Veterans Memorial Park Malinta Veterans Memorial Malinta World War II Memorial Miami & Erie Canal And Napoleon's First Cemetery Missouria's Garden Napoleon Lions Club Napoleon Rotary Club Nathaniel Hartman Log Home New Bavaria War Memorial Oak Tree Olive Branch Cemetery One Nation Under God Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church Prairie Des Mascoutins / Damascus Revolutionary Soldier Revolutionary War Memorial Rex Lingruen Ridgeville Corners War Memorial Riverfront Industries Powered by Canal Water / How Napoleon Kept Its Name Saint Augustine Catholic Church Saint John Lutheran Church Site of Rice Lock 42 Site of Zion Lutheran Church and Cemetery Texas Veterans Memorial The Dr. Bloomfield Residence The Henry County Courthouse The Parish School Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Bench Veterans Park At The Bridge William F. Baden Winchester's Encampment World War II Memorial World War Veterans Memorial Trees You Are On The Buckeye Trail
Ohio was the site of a major oil boom in the late 19th century, with oil wells producing millions of barrels of oil per year. The town of Lima, Ohio, became known as the "little giant of the oil industry" because of the large number of oil companies headquartered there.
Henry County, Ohio has a rich and interesting history that dates back to its establishment in 1820. The area was initially inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Miami and Shawnee tribes, who lived off the land and hunted in the forests and prairies. The county was named in honor of Patrick Henry, a prominent American Revolutionary War figure.

With the arrival of the first European settlers in the early 1800s, Henry County began to develop and grow. The advent of the Miami and Erie Canal in the 1830s brought increased transportation opportunities, leading to more settlers and businesses coming to the area. Agriculture quickly became a central part of the county's economy, with farmers cultivating crops such as wheat, corn, oats, and raising livestock.

The county experienced significant growth and development throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The railroad industry played a pivotal role in the county's expansion, with several rail lines being established and connecting Henry County to other regions. This allowed for the transportation of goods and facilitated trade, contributing to economic prosperity.

Henry County has also been involved in various historical events. During the American Civil War, many residents joined the Union Army to fight for their cause. In the early 20th century, the county experienced rapid industrialization, with the establishment of factories and manufacturing plants. This brought new employment opportunities and attracted more people to the area.

Today, Henry County continues to thrive as a predominantly rural community with a strong agricultural base. Its historical significance, natural beauty, and small-town charm have made it a beloved place for residents and visitors alike.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Henry County, Ohio.

  • 1817 - Henry County was established on April 1, 1817, and was named after Patrick Henry, a patriot of the American Revolution.
  • 1834 - Napoleon, the county seat, was laid out in 1834 and named after Napoleon Bonaparte.
  • 1841 - The first railroad was built in the county in 1841, connecting Henry County to the larger transportation network.
  • 1891 - The Ohio Oil Company discovered oil in Henry County, leading to an oil boom in the area.
  • 1933 - Henry County was heavily affected by the Great Depression, causing economic hardships for its residents.
  • 1950s - Henry County experienced significant industrial growth in the 1950s, attracting new businesses and expanding employment opportunities.
  • 1990s - The county saw a shift towards more diverse industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and technology.
  • Present - Henry County continues to be a hub for agriculture, manufacturing, and small business development.