Richland County, Ohio

All Souls Unitarian-Universalist Church Barr, Jacob H., House Bellville Bandstand Bellville Cemetery Chapel Bellville Village Hall Bissman Block Bissman, B.F., House Bissman, Peter, House Building at 240 Park Avenue West Building at 252-254 Park Avenue West Building at 309 Park Avenue West Building at 415 Park Avenue West Bushnell, Martin, House Central United Methodist Church City Mills Building Colonial, The Cook, J.M., House Douglas, S.M., House Dow House Downtown Mansfield Historic District Ferrell, Silas, House First Congregational Church And Lexington School First English Lutheran Church Fraser House Gilbert, F.A., House Gurney-Kochheiser House Hancock and Dow Building Kern, Rufus A., House Kingwood Center Krause, John, House Lewis, Samuel, House Malabar Farm Mansfield Blockhouse Mansfield Savings Bank Mansfield Woman's Club Mansfield, Judge, House Marvin Memorial Library May Realty Building Mayflower Memorial Congregational Church Mechanics Building and Loan Company Most Pure Heart Of Mary Church Oak Hill Cottage Ohio State Reformatory Ohio Theatre Old Carriage Barn Pacific Curios Antiques Park Avenue Baptist Church Plymouth Greenlawn Cemetery Chapel Raemelton Farm Historic District Richland County Infirmary Richland Trust Building Ritter, William, House Rummell Mill Sacred Heart of Jesus Churches Sandiford, Robert, House Shambaugh, George, House Shelby Center Historic District Sherman, John, Memorial Gateway Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building and Madison Theater Springfield Township School St. Peters Church Stewart Towers Sturges, Susan, House Tappan House Tubbs-Sourwine House Upson House Voegele Building Ward, W. S., House

Richland County, OH has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Delaware and Wyandot, before European settlers arrived. The first permanent European settlement was established in 1808, and the county was officially created in 1809.

During the early years of its settlement, Richland County was primarily an agricultural community, with farming being the main economic activity. However, the discovery of rich iron ore deposits in the mid-19th century transformed the county's economy. The emergence of the iron industry spurred rapid growth and attracted many immigrants to the area to work in the mines and mills.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Richland County experienced further industrial development in sectors such as steel, machinery, and rubber. This led to the rise of several major companies in the region, including the Ohio Brass Company and the Mansfield Tire & Rubber Company. The county's industrialization attracted a diverse workforce and brought prosperity to the area.

Throughout its history, Richland County has also been known for its cultural and educational institutions. The county is home to many notable landmarks, including the Ohio State Reformatory, which gained fame as the filming location for the movie "The Shawshank Redemption." Richland County also boasts several museums, such as the Mansfield Memorial Museum and the Mansfield Art Center, which showcase the region's history and cultural heritage.

In summary, Richland County, OH has a history rooted in agriculture and industry. From its early agricultural roots to its transformation into an industrial powerhouse, the county has played a significant role in Ohio's economic development. Today, Richland County continues to thrive as a vibrant community with a diverse cultural scene and a strong sense of history.
Brief timeline of the history of Richland County, Ohio:

  • 1808 - Richland County is established, named after the fertile soil found in the region.
  • 1809 - Mansfield, the county seat, is founded.
  • 1846 - The Ohio State Reformatory, famously known for being the filming location of "The Shawshank Redemption," is built.
  • 1855 - The Mansfield Normal School (now known as Mansfield University) is founded.
  • 1861-1865 - Richland County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1908 - The famous Kingwood Center Gardens is established by Charles Kelley King.
  • 1929 - The Lahm Airport (now Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport) opens as a military airfield.
  • 1937 - Malabar Farm State Park, the former home of author Louis Bromfield, is opened to the public.
  • 1970 - The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, a famous racing track, holds its first race.
  • 1994 - The Mansfield Motorsports Speedway opens, hosting various racing events.

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