Lake County, Ohio

Administration Building, Lake Erie College Bedford Baptist Church Brick Vernacular House No. 1 Brick Vernacular House No. 2 Casement House Cheese-vat Factory Childs, Alpha Charles, House Childs, Robertus W., House Connecticut Land Company Office Corning-White House Coulby, Harry, Mansion Damon, George, House Dayton, James, House Dayton, James, House, II DeHeck, Albert, House Downtown Painesville Historic District Downtown Willoughy Historic District Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Light Fairport Marine Museum Foster, Claud, House Fuller, Frances Ensign, House Garfield Library Gilbert, Jane, House Gill, H., House Gray-Coulton House Green, Lucius, House Hanna, Leonard C., Jr., Estate Hendry, Francis, House Indian Point Fort Ingersoll, Cyrus J., House James A. Garfield National Historic Site Jones, John J., House Kellogg, John, House and Barn Kimball, Addison, House Kimball, Lemuel II, House Kimball, Solomon, House Kirtland Temple Ladd's Tavern Lake Shore and Michigan Southern RR Depot and Freight House Lawnfield-James A. Garfield Estate (Additional Documentation and Boundary Clarification) Lutz's Tavern Lyman, William, House Madison Seminary And Home Mason, James, House Mathews House Mentor Avenue District Mentor Village Hall Mentor Village School Metcalf, Rev. Harlan, House Methodist Episcopal Church of Painesville, The Moore, Edward W. and Louise C., Estate Morley, Lewis, House Norfolk and Western Freight Station Old South Church Oliver, John G., House Paige, David R., House Painesville City Hall Pease, George, House Penfield, Louis A., House Sawyer-Wayside House Seeley, Uri, House Selby, Orland, House Sessions House Smart Building Smead House Smead, David, House South Leroy Meetinghouse St. James Episcopal Church Staley, Mr. and Mrs. Karl A., House Talcott, Joseph, House Tappan, Judge Abraham, House Town Center District Unionville District School Unionville Tavern Ware, Edwin L., House Whitney, Newel K., Store Wilson, George D., House Winans, Dr. J. C., House Yager, John and Carrie, House Young, Benjamin and Mary, House

Lake County, Ohio, located in the northeastern part of the state, has a rich and varied history that dates back thousands of years. The area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Erie and Iroquois, before the arrival of European settlers. The first Europeans to explore the region were French fur traders, who established a trading post at the mouth of the Grand River in the late 17th century.

In the early 19th century, settlers began moving into the area, attracted by the fertile land and the opportunity for trade along Lake Erie. The county was officially established in 1840, and its name was derived from the numerous lakes and rivers that dot the landscape. The construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal in the 1820s further stimulated growth and commerce in the region.

Lake County played a significant role in the development of industry in Ohio. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the county became a hub for manufacturing, particularly in the steel and automotive industries. The city of Painesville, the county seat, was home to several successful companies, including the Diamond Alkali Company, which later became Diamond Shamrock and was a major producer of chemicals.

In recent years, Lake County has embraced its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The county is known for its stunning Lake Erie beaches, charming wineries, and picturesque parks. It has also developed a strong tourism industry, attracting visitors from across Ohio and beyond. Lake County continues to evolve and grow, with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism, while also preserving its historical roots.
Brief timeline of the history of Lake County, Ohio:

  • 1800: Lake County was established as the second county in the Connecticut Western Reserve.
  • 1805: The city of Painesville was founded and became the county seat.
  • 1812: The War of 1812 brought conflict to the region, with several battles taking place on Lake Erie.
  • 1822: The first courthouse was built in Painesville.
  • 1835: Lake County's first newspaper, the "Lake County Gazette," was published.
  • 1850: The Lake County Agricultural Society was founded to promote farming and agricultural development.
  • 1861-1865: Lake County residents actively participated in the American Civil War.
  • 1876: The first railroad line, the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway, was completed in the county.
  • 1895: The first public library in Lake County, Painesville Public Library, was established.
  • 1942-1946: During World War II, Lake County supported the war effort through industries such as aircraft manufacturing and naval supplies.
  • 1967: Lakeland Community College, a two-year community college, opened in Kirtland.
  • 1988: The Holden Arboretum, a large botanical garden, merged with the Kirtlandia Society to become one of the largest arboretums in the United States.
  • 2009: The Lake County Captains, a minor league baseball team, started playing at the Classic Park stadium in Eastlake.

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