Williams County Courthouse
Main and High Sts., Bryan, OH Local significance of the building: Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
About National Register Listings
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.
The Cleveland Museum of Art, located in Cleveland, Ohio, is one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the United States. It has a collection of more than 61,000 works of art, including works by Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Rembrandt.
About Williams County
Williams County Timeline
Williams County, Ohio, located in the northwestern part of the state, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Wyandot and Shawnee. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive, with American Revolutionary War veterans receiving land grants here.
The county was officially established in April 1820 and named after David Williams, one of the military leaders in the Battle of Fallen Timbers. The county quickly developed due to its fertile soil and proximity to major waterways, including the St. Joseph River. Agriculture became a fundamental part of Williams County's economy, with crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans being major contributors.
As the county grew, so did its infrastructure. Early settlers constructed roads, bridges, and schools to support the expanding population. In the mid-19th century, the arrival of the railroad brought increased connectivity and economic opportunities. By the late 1800s, Williams County had a network of railway lines, making it easier to transport goods and fostering industrial growth.
Throughout the 20th century, the county continued its agricultural legacy while also diversifying its economy. Manufacturing and industry became significant players, with automotive, steel, and machinery production taking root. The county also saw development in the transportation and retail sectors. Today, Williams County remains a vibrant community with a mix of urban and rural areas, boasting a strong agricultural base complemented by a variety of industries.
The county was officially established in April 1820 and named after David Williams, one of the military leaders in the Battle of Fallen Timbers. The county quickly developed due to its fertile soil and proximity to major waterways, including the St. Joseph River. Agriculture became a fundamental part of Williams County's economy, with crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans being major contributors.
As the county grew, so did its infrastructure. Early settlers constructed roads, bridges, and schools to support the expanding population. In the mid-19th century, the arrival of the railroad brought increased connectivity and economic opportunities. By the late 1800s, Williams County had a network of railway lines, making it easier to transport goods and fostering industrial growth.
Throughout the 20th century, the county continued its agricultural legacy while also diversifying its economy. Manufacturing and industry became significant players, with automotive, steel, and machinery production taking root. The county also saw development in the transportation and retail sectors. Today, Williams County remains a vibrant community with a mix of urban and rural areas, boasting a strong agricultural base complemented by a variety of industries.
Williams County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Williams County, Ohio.
- 1786: The Northwest Territory, including present-day Williams County, is established by the United States Congress.
- 1803: Ohio becomes the 17th state in the union.
- 1824: The area that would later become Williams County is surveyed by the federal government.
- 1828: The first permanent settler, Jacob Backus, arrives in what is now Williams County.
- 1831: The county is officially organized, with Williams Center serving as the county seat.
- 1834: The first post office is established in Williams County.
- 1846: The village of Montpelier is platted and becomes the new county seat.
- 1848: The first courthouse is built in Montpelier.
- 1851: The first railroad, the Michigan Southern and Northern Indiana Railroad, is completed through Williams County.
- 1875: The first oil well is drilled in Williams County, leading to a boom in the local oil industry.
- 1881: The courthouse in Montpelier is destroyed by fire, but a new courthouse is quickly built in its place.
- 1920: The Williams County Fair is established and continues to be a popular annual event.
- 1930s: The Great Depression brings economic hardship to Williams County, but the construction of the Ohio Turnpike in the 1950s helps to revitalize the local economy.
- 2004: The Williams County Historical Society is founded to preserve and promote the history of the county.
- 2019: Williams County celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years since its founding.