National Register Listing

Northeast Tiffin Historic District

Clinton, Ohio, and Hunter Sts., Tiffin, OH
Local significance of the district:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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.
Ohio random facts
Seneca County, Ohio has a rich and varied history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Wyandot and Shawnee, who used the land for hunting and fishing. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive in the region, with the first permanent white settlement established in present-day Seneca County in 1817. The county was officially created in 1820 and named after the powerful Seneca Native American tribe.

During the 19th century, Seneca County experienced significant growth and development. The construction of the Miami and Erie Canal in the 1830s boosted the local economy by providing a reliable transportation route for goods and people. This led to the establishment of several canal towns, including Tiffin, the county seat. Tiffin quickly grew into a thriving community, home to mills, schools, churches, and businesses.

Seneca County played a role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to freedom. Abolitionists in the area provided support and shelter for escaped slaves, helping them on their journey to Canada. The region also had a strong German immigrant presence, with many settling in Seneca County and establishing successful businesses and farms.

In the 20th century, Seneca County continued to evolve and adapt. The construction of highways such as U.S. Route 224 and State Route 53 improved connectivity and transportation, further promoting economic development. The county also became home to industrial and manufacturing companies, contributing to employment opportunities and growth. Today, Seneca County maintains its agricultural roots while also embracing modern industries and tourism, offering a vibrant and diverse community for its residents and visitors.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Seneca County, Ohio.

  • 1817: Seneca County is established in the state of Ohio.
  • 1824: The county seat is established in Tiffin.
  • 1853: The first railroad, the Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad, is completed in Seneca County.
  • 1892: The Seneca County Courthouse, designed by architect Elijah E. Myers, is completed.
  • 1929: The Ritz Theatre, a historic movie theater, opens in downtown Tiffin.
  • 1969: Heidelberg University, a private liberal arts college, merges with Tiffin University.
  • 1980: The Tiffin Glass Museum is established, showcasing the history of Tiffin's glass manufacturing industry.
  • 1998: Seneca Caverns, a popular tourist attraction, celebrates its 70th anniversary.
  • 2019: Seneca County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.