Historical Markers in
Ottawa County, Ohio

Adolphus Kraemer Amareta Mosher Anchor American Expedition 1813 American Revolution 1775-1784 Battle Of Bataan War Memorial Boundary Marker Camp Perry Civil War Confederate Stockade Cemetery Crane Creek Cemetery Danbury Township World War Veterans Memorial Elliston Civil War Memorial Elmore Veterans Memorial Elmore World War I & World War II Veterans Memorial End of Harrison's Trail in Ohio - War of 1812 Erie Proving Ground Erie Township Veterans Memorial First Battle Site First Ship-To-Shore Radio Broadcast Fort Sites / De Lery Portage / French Expedition 1754 Genoa Genoa Genoa Town Hall & Opera House Gibraltar Island Gibraltar Monument Home of Benajah Walcott Hoover Potato Digger & Lakeside In Memory of Mason, Simonds & Mingus Indian Mill Stone Israel Harrington and Elmore Jay Cooke Mansion Johnson Island Monument Johnson's Island Johnson's Island Civil War Prison Johnson's Island Civil War Prison and Fort Site Johnson's Island Prison Joseph De Rivera St. Jurgo, 1813-1889 Lake Erie Lakeside Lockwood Magee Marsh Wildlife Area Marblehead Lighthouse McCormic-Deering Farmall F-12 Oelschlager's Dry Goods Store Old French War - Pontiac's Conspiracy - Revolutionary War / French Expedition, 1754 Ottawa County Courthouse Ottawa County Veterans Memorial Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial Port Clinton Light Station Port Clinton Veterans Memorial Railroad Importance to Camp Perry South Bass Island Light State Route 51 Concrete Arch Bridge over the Portage River The Doller House The Fire of October 20, 1929 / The Lakeside Volunteer Fire Protective Association The Johnson’s Island Committee The Keeper's House The Light / The Keepers of the Light The Lookout The View From Here The View From Here USS Wasp CV7 Memorial Veteran Park Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Bench Veterans Recreational Park War of 1812 Within This Enclosure World's Shortest Airline
Ohio was the birthplace of seven US presidents: Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, William Howard Taft, and Warren G. Harding.
Ohio random facts
Ottawa County, located in the state of Ohio, has a rich and varied history. The county was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ottawa, Miami, and Wyandot peoples. European exploration and settlement began in the late 18th century, when British and French traders established contact with the Native Americans in the area.

In 1831, Ottawa County was officially established, named after the Ottawa tribe who once inhabited the region. The area experienced significant growth and development in the mid-19th century, particularly with the advent of the railroad. The construction and expansion of rail lines facilitated the transportation of goods and people, stimulating economic growth and attracting new settlers to the county.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ottawa County's economy was predominantly driven by agriculture and fishing. The fertile lands of the region made it ideal for farming, and many farmers cultivated crops such as wheat, corn, and soybeans. The proximity to Lake Erie also made fishing a lucrative industry, with fishermen catching a variety of fish species, including walleye and perch.

In the 20th century, Ottawa County saw the growth of tourism, largely due to its location on the shores of Lake Erie. The county's picturesque landscapes, sandy beaches, and recreational opportunities attracted visitors from both nearby cities and other states. The construction of resorts, marinas, and amusement parks further enhanced the region's appeal as a vacation destination. Today, Ottawa County continues to thrive as a popular tourist spot while also maintaining its agricultural roots.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Ottawa County, Ohio.

  • 1831: Ottawa County is established and named after the Ottawa Native American tribe.
  • 1837: The first courthouse is built in Port Clinton.
  • 1840: The first official census puts the county's population at 903 residents.
  • 1873: The iconic Marblehead Lighthouse is completed.
  • 1900: The population of Ottawa County reaches 15,672.
  • 1929: The Great Depression begins and has a major impact on the county's economy.
  • 1940: The population surpasses 20,000 for the first time.
  • 1957: The Ohio Turnpike opens, providing improved transportation access to the county.
  • 1972: The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is established.
  • 1992: Catawba Island State Park is opened to the public.