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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.
About Mercer County
Mercer County Timeline
Mercer County, Ohio, located in the western part of the state, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Miami peoples, who were later displaced by the arrival of European settlers.
In the early 1800s, the land that is now Mercer County was part of the Northwest Territory, which was ceded by Native American tribes to the United States government. The region was then opened for settlement and attracted pioneers looking for fertile farmland. Many settlers came from neighboring states, including Pennsylvania and Kentucky.
The county was officially established on April 1, 1820, and was named after Hugh Mercer, a renowned Revolutionary War general. As more settlers arrived, the county's population grew rapidly. Agriculture became the backbone of the local economy, with farmers cultivating crops such as wheat, corn, and soybeans. With the construction of the Miami and Erie Canal in the early 1840s, Mercer County became a hub for transportation, as goods were transported to and from neighboring cities.
During the Civil War, Mercer County sent numerous soldiers to fight for the Union Army. The county experienced economic growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the development of industries such as manufacturing, quarrying, and oil production. The county's largest city, Celina, also became a popular tourist destination due to its location on Grand Lake St. Marys, one of the largest man-made lakes in Ohio.
Today, Mercer County continues to thrive as a predominantly agricultural community with a diverse economy. Its rich history is preserved through museums, historic sites, and community events that celebrate the county's heritage.
In the early 1800s, the land that is now Mercer County was part of the Northwest Territory, which was ceded by Native American tribes to the United States government. The region was then opened for settlement and attracted pioneers looking for fertile farmland. Many settlers came from neighboring states, including Pennsylvania and Kentucky.
The county was officially established on April 1, 1820, and was named after Hugh Mercer, a renowned Revolutionary War general. As more settlers arrived, the county's population grew rapidly. Agriculture became the backbone of the local economy, with farmers cultivating crops such as wheat, corn, and soybeans. With the construction of the Miami and Erie Canal in the early 1840s, Mercer County became a hub for transportation, as goods were transported to and from neighboring cities.
During the Civil War, Mercer County sent numerous soldiers to fight for the Union Army. The county experienced economic growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the development of industries such as manufacturing, quarrying, and oil production. The county's largest city, Celina, also became a popular tourist destination due to its location on Grand Lake St. Marys, one of the largest man-made lakes in Ohio.
Today, Mercer County continues to thrive as a predominantly agricultural community with a diverse economy. Its rich history is preserved through museums, historic sites, and community events that celebrate the county's heritage.
Mercer County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Mercer County, Ohio.
- 1815 - Mercer County is established
- 1824 - First white settlers arrive in the county
- 1832 - Mercer County becomes part of the newly formed state of Ohio
- 1833 - Celina, the county seat, is laid out
- 1848 - Mercer County's population reaches 2,619
- 1850 - The Miami and Erie Canal reaches Celina, facilitating trade and transportation
- 1861-1865 - Mercer County residents serve in the American Civil War
- 1881 - Construction of the Lake Erie and Western Railroad begins
- 1896 - The Ohio State Legislature authorizes the construction of a new courthouse in Celina
- 1913 - A devastating flood damages much of the county
- 1920s - Mercer County experiences an economic boom due to oil and gas discoveries
- 1954 - Grand Lake St. Marys State Park is established
- 1990 - Mercer County's population exceeds 40,000
- 2007 - The largest man-made lake in Ohio, Grand Lake St. Marys, is designated as a state park