National Register Listing

Kerr, Benjamin F., House

a.k.a. Kerr House

17605 Beaver St., Grand Rapids, OH
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

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.

architecture houses residential buildings
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
Wood County, Ohio, located in the northwestern part of the state, has a long and rich history. Native American tribes, such as the Wyandot and Ottawa, were the original inhabitants of the area before European settlers arrived. The first European explorers, including French trappers and traders, ventured into the area in the late 17th century. However, it was not until the early 19th century that permanent settlement began in the county.

In 1818, Wood County was officially established, named after Colonel Eleazer D. Wood, a pioneer who played a significant role in the county's early development. The construction of the Miami and Erie Canal in the 1830s greatly contributed to the county's growth, as it provided transportation for goods and fostered economic development. The town of Perrysburg, located along the canal, became an important center of trade and industry.

During the Civil War, Wood County played its part by sending soldiers to fight for the Union. The county experienced its fair share of hardship during this time, with many families facing loss and tragedy. However, the end of the war brought a renewed sense of hope and opportunity.

In the 20th century, Wood County continued to evolve and develop. The county's agricultural industry thrived, with fields of corn, soybeans, and other crops dominating the landscape. The discovery of oil and gas in the county in the early 1900s led to a new era of prosperity. Today, Wood County is a vibrant part of Ohio, with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, education, and healthcare.

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

  • 1813 - Wood County is officially founded and organized
  • 1820 - Settlements begin to form in Perrysburg and Maumee
  • 1833 - Perrysburg becomes the county seat
  • 1853 - Completion of the Miami and Erie Canal brings increased trade and development
  • 1873 - The Toledo and Northwestern Railway is established, further stimulating economic growth
  • 1885 - Bowling Green becomes the county seat
  • 1900s - Wood County experiences growth and industrialization
  • 1950s - Interstate highway construction begins, improving transportation infrastructure
  • Present - Wood County continues to thrive as a mixture of rural and urban communities