Allen County, Ohio

09.11.2001 155 MM Howitzer 1833 Gomer, Ohio 1905 Shay Engine Adam Welty Park Allen County Courthouse Allen County Veterans Memorial Allen County, Ohio Allen CountyÂ’s First Settlement American Civil War American Legion Veterans Memorial Bench American Revolution American Revolutionary War Beaverdam & Vicinity World War II Memorial Beaverdam Veterans Memorial Beaverdam Village Park Bessie Crayton Bluffton Bluffton Veterans Memorial Boehr Block BP America Celebrating Our Heritage Mural Circular Street Civil War D T & I Railroad's Uniopolis, Ohio, Station Deep Cut Lodge I.O.O.F. 311 Veterans Memorial Delphos Delphos / Miami Erie Canal Delphos Civil War Memorial Delphos Eagles Veterans Memorial Bench Delphos Korea War Memorial Delphos Operation Desert Storm Memorial Delphos Operation Enduring Freedom Memorial Delphos Operation Iraqi Freedom Memorial Delphos P.O.W. & M.I.A. Memorial Delphos Veterans Memorial Delphos Vietnam War Memorial Delphos World War I Memorial Delphos World War II Memorial Delphos' The Purple Heart Memorial East Cemetery Eastman Johnson's Maple Sugar Paintings Faurot Oil Well Faurot Opera House Fort Amanda Founders and Patriots of Allen County, Ohio Fraternal Order of Eagles Veterans Memorial Bench Harrod Harrod Harrod Veterans Memorial Park Historic House In Memory of Chief P-H-T and the Hawg Creek Shawnee Jacob Dienstberger Historic House James Daniel's Cabin John Eutsler John "Jack" Herron Johnny Appleseed Tree Korean War Korean War Memorial LaFayette - Jackson Township Civil War Memorial Lima Locomotive Works Lincoln Highway Lincoln Highway Memorial M-60 A3 Tank Mary Shafer McKee's Hill McLean Teady Bear Park Metzger Lake Reservoir Miami & Erie Canal Deep Cut / Miami & Erie Canal Miami And Erie Canal Deep Cut Miami – Erie Canal NKP Berkshire Locomotive No. 779 NKP Caboose No. 1091 Ohio's First Electric Street Car Line Old Church Site Rockport Cemetery P-39 Airacobra Crash Site Persian Gulf War PFC. Larry E VanMeter POW★MIA Quarried Rock Remember Pearl Harbor Servicemen's Free Canteen Sharp School Bell Shawnee Council House Shawnee Council House Shawnee Indian Reservation / U.S. Military Reserve Site Of Lima's First Cemetery Site of the 86 Acre Homestead of Dye Sunderland Snow Cruiser Crash Site Solar Refinery Spanish-American War Spencerville Area Veterans Memorial Park Spencerville Athletic Booster Veterans Memorial Spencerville Schools Veterans Memorial Bench Spencerville Veterans Memorial Spencerville Veterans Memorial Spencerville Veterans Memorial Bench Spencerville VFW Clown Unit Veterans Memorial Bench Spencerville's US War Casualties St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church Tawa Town The Henry Boose Site The Hog Creek Settlement The Inn The Interurban Era The Last Measure of Devotion The Old Bell The Shawnee Indian Reservation The Town of Hartford This Lintel Stone U.S. Army Helicopter UH-1H UH-1 Helicopter USS Frank E. Evans DD754 USS Texas (CGN 39) Veterans Freedom Flag Monument Veterans Monument / Memorial Garden VFW Veterans Memorial Bench Vietnam War War of 1812 War On Terror West Market Street Boulevard Historic District Workman's Crew Caboose World War I World War II "Johnny Appleseed"
Allen County, OH has a rich and diverse history that spans over two centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Delaware, before European settlers arrived in the late 1700s. The first permanent settlement in Allen County was established in 1815 along the Auglaize River, and the county itself was officially created in 1820.

The early economy in Allen County was primarily based on agriculture, with farmers cultivating crops like corn and wheat. However, the discovery of oil in the late 19th century brought about significant changes. Oil production became a major industry, leading to a boom in population and prosperity. Lima, the county seat, became known as the "Oil Center of the World" during this time.

In the early 20th century, Allen County experienced rapid industrialization. Manufacturing companies, including the Lima Locomotive Works, gained prominence and provided employment opportunities for many residents. The county's strategic location, with access to major transportation routes, further contributed to its industrial growth.

Over the years, Allen County has continued to evolve and diversify its economy. Today, it is home to a variety of industries, including healthcare, retail, and education. The county also boasts cultural attractions such as the Allen County Museum and the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center. With its blend of history, industry, and community, Allen County remains a vibrant and thriving part of Ohio.
Brief timeline of the history of Allen County, Ohio:

  • 1817 - Allen County is established by an act of the Ohio General Assembly.
  • 1831 - Lima, the county seat of Allen County, is founded.
  • 1848 - The Miami and Erie Canal reaches Lima, bringing increased trade and economic growth.
  • 1861-1865 - Allen County residents serve in the Civil War, with several regiments being raised from the area.
  • 1885 - The Ohio Electric Railway begins operating in Lima, providing transportation and promoting industrial development.
  • 1892 - Lima Oil Field is discovered, leading to an oil boom in the area and attracting oil companies.
  • 1908 - Lima's first automobile manufacturing company, the Clark Motor Car Company, is established.
  • 1958 - The Lima Army Tank Plant is opened, becoming a major employer in the county.
  • 1980s - Economic downturn affects the county, resulting in job losses and decline in manufacturing.
  • 1996 - The Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center opens in Lima, enhancing the city's cultural and entertainment offerings.
  • 2010 - Census reveals a population of over 100,000 residents in Allen County.

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