National Register Listing

Phoenix Mills

E of Steuben on Mill Rd., Steuben, OH
The Phoenix gristmill has or had a number of unique construction features, and is the only remaining mill structure in Huron County.

In 1835 Ezra Smith built a frame mill on the site of the existing mill. This building burned prior to 1856. The present mill was constructed by Barnett Roe of Steuben in 1856. Because the Phoenix Mills arose from the ashes. of the Smith Mill, the builder gave the mills the name of the mythological bird. The use of stone for the entire external structure, including corbels, brackets, and roof, indicates the desire to make the building thoroughly fireproof. The plural "mills" evidently refers to the fact that there is more than one machine located in a single building, though the usage is uncommon.

Barnett Roe, born in England in 1810, grew up in Cayuga County, New York, and came to Huron County with his parents in about 1834. Working in farming and carpentry as well as milling, he later owned a sawmill, a cheese factory, a stone quarry, and two farms. Roe died in 1877, and the Phoenix Mills constitute an impressive monument to an individual builder.
Bibliography
Harry S. Blaine, The Old Phoenix Mill at Steuben (Toledo, 1967), 1-27.

William W. Williams, History of the Firelands (Cleveland, 1879), 225.
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Architecture; Invention

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The Ohio River, which forms the state's southern border, played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by African American slaves to escape to freedom in the North before the Civil War.
Ohio random facts
Huron County, Ohio, located in the northeastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The county was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Erie, Wyandot, and Ottawa tribes. European settlement began in the late 18th century, with pioneers from New England and Pennsylvania, and the county was officially established in 1809.

In the early years, Huron County experienced rapid growth due to its fertile land and proximity to Lake Erie. The county became a center for agriculture, commerce, and transportation. The construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal in the 1830s further facilitated trade and economic development.

The Civil War had a significant impact on Huron County, with many of its residents participating in the conflict. The county's soldiers fought in major battles and contributed to the Union war effort. Following the war, the county experienced a period of industrialization and increased prosperity.

In the 20th century, Huron County continued to evolve, adapting to changes in industry and technology. The county faced challenges during the Great Depression, but it recovered and experienced growth in the post-World War II era. Today, Huron County remains an agricultural hub, with the farming industry playing a central role in its economy. The county also boasts natural attractions, including pristine beaches, parks, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

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

  • 1809 - Huron County is officially established in the state of Ohio.
  • 1817 - The first sawmill is built in the county, marking the beginning of the lumber industry.
  • 1831 - The first courthouse is constructed in Norwalk, serving as the county seat.
  • 1851 - The railroad arrives in Huron County, boosting transportation and trade.
  • 1859 - The Norwalk Seminary, later known as the Norwalk College for Young Ladies, is founded.
  • 1879 - The Rorick House, a historic mansion, is built in Monroeville.
  • 1893 - The Huron County Fair is established and becomes an annual event.
  • 1904 - The Norwalk Carnegie Library is built, providing public access to books and knowledge.
  • 1936 - Camp Avery Hand, a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp, is opened in Fitchville.
  • 1954 - Norwalk High School is officially established.
  • 1968 - The Huron County Ohio Historical Society is founded to preserve the county's history.
  • 1976 - The Bicentennial Barn is painted in honor of the nation's bicentennial celebration.
  • 2001 - The North Coast Inland Trail, a recreational trail, is officially completed in Huron County.
  • 2015 - The Firelands Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 35th anniversary.