Historical Markers in
Lorain County, Ohio

103rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry Antoinette Brown Blackwell and First Church in Oberlin Archibald M. Willard Birthplace of Easter Seal Society Black River Bridgeway Trail Burrell Homestead Charles M. Hall and Frank M. Jewett Columbia Baptist Church Columbia Township Columbia United Methodist Church Downtown Oberlin Historic District Edgar F. “Daddy” Allen Elyria War Memorial First Congregational Church First United Methodist Church Founding of Lorain, Ohio General Quincy Adams Gillmore Great Kipton Train Wreck Helen Steiner Rice Herrick Memorial Library Horr Cheese House, 1865 / Myron T. Herrick (1854-1929) Huntington Civil War Memorial Jay Terrell and his "Terrible Fish" King Solomon Lodge No. 56 Lakeview Park War Memorial Lorain County Community College Lorain Station 100 Lorain West Breakwater Lighthouse / Saving the Lorain Lighthouse Monteith Hall Norton S. Townshend, M.D. Oberlin and the Underground Railroad Oberlin College and Community / Abolitionism in Oberlin Peter J. Miller House / Adam Miller & Family Quincy A. Gillmore Sandstone Center of the World Shipbuilding Soldier’s Monument Spirit of ’76 The Burrell-King House The Cheese Industry in Wellington The Founding of Elyria The Lorain Tornado, 1924 Timeline of Dr. Norton S. Townshend Trading Post Tragedy at 5th Street and Middle Avenue Valley Of The Giants Veterans Monument Vietnam Veterans Monument Welcome to Oberlin Heritage Center Wellington Wellington Town Hall Wellington, Ohio Established 1818 Wells Building Westwood Cemetery Willard Van Orman Quine
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
Lorain County, Ohio has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Erie, Ottawa, and Wyandot tribes. European settlement began in the late 1700s, with the arrival of French and English fur traders and missionaries. The area eventually became part of the Connecticut Western Reserve, a land tract in northern Ohio settled by Connecticut residents.

In 1824, Lorain County was officially established and named after the Lorraine region in France. The county quickly grew in population and became an important center for agriculture, industry, and commerce. The construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal in the 1830s further boosted the county's development, connecting it to the Great Lakes and allowing for the transportation of goods.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Lorain County became known for its thriving industries, such as steel production, manufacturing, and shipbuilding. The city of Lorain, in particular, grew into a major industrial hub, attracting workers from various parts of the country. The county also played a significant role during World War II, with many of its industries contributing to the war effort.

In recent decades, as the manufacturing industry declined, Lorain County has focused on diversifying its economy and promoting sectors such as healthcare, education, and tourism. Today, the county is home to several colleges and universities, including Oberlin College and Lorain County Community College. The county's natural beauty and recreational opportunities, including Lake Erie and various parks, continue to attract visitors and residents alike. Lorain County's history and its ongoing efforts for growth and development make it a fascinating and vibrant place to explore.

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

  • 1807 - Lorain County is officially established.
  • 1812 - The first permanent settlement is established in Elyria.
  • 1832 - The Ohio and Erie Canal opens, boosting the county's economic growth.
  • 1857 - Oberlin College becomes the first coeducational college in the United States.
  • 1894 - Lorain experiences a significant population boom due to the growth of its steel industry.
  • 1905 - Lorain becomes a city.
  • 1919 - The United Steel Workers union is established in Lorain.
  • 1942 - The Ford Motor Company builds a large plant in Lorain, contributing to the county's industrial prominence.
  • 1980 - The decline of the steel industry leads to economic challenges in Lorain County.
  • 1996 - The Lorain County Community College opens, providing educational opportunities for residents.
  • 2010 - Lorain County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.