Allen County Courthouse
Courthouse Sq., Lima, OHBuilt 1881-1884 the Allen County Courthouse is a good example of a Second Empire-style Ohio county courthouse. It was designed by architect George H. Maetzel, who designed several of Ohio's finest extant courthouses. While it is not Maetzel's finest building, it is extremely significant as the best remaining architectural example of the period 1880-1900 in Lima, Ohio.
Allen County was formed on April 1, 1820, from a portion of western Ohio Indian lands. The county was named for Colonel Allen, a soldier of the War of 1812. Lima was laid out in 1831 as the county seat but was then unnamed. Legend has it that the people who first settled in the town area placed several suggestions for a town name in a hat, and Lima was drawn. Lima was incorporated in 1842.
At first, the county remained under the legal jurisdiction of neighboring Mercer County until courts could be organized in Lima. The first courthouse was located in the center of town in the public square. It was a frame structure built circa 1835. It served the county until the 1870's when it was decided by the commissioners that a new courthouse would be desirable.
George H. Maetzel was chosen to be the architect of the new Allen County Courthouse. Allen County was its own general contractor, and the courthouse was built at a cost of $213, 168. Adjacent to the courthouse was a matching jail (razed during the 1950s), built at a cost of about $120,000.
Local significance of the building:
Allen County was formed on April 1, 1820, from a portion of western Ohio Indian lands. The county was named for Colonel Allen, a soldier of the War of 1812. Lima was laid out in 1831 as the county seat but was then unnamed. Legend has it that the people who first settled in the town area placed several suggestions for a town name in a hat, and Lima was drawn. Lima was incorporated in 1842.
At first, the county remained under the legal jurisdiction of neighboring Mercer County until courts could be organized in Lima. The first courthouse was located in the center of town in the public square. It was a frame structure built circa 1835. It served the county until the 1870's when it was decided by the commissioners that a new courthouse would be desirable.
George H. Maetzel was chosen to be the architect of the new Allen County Courthouse. Allen County was its own general contractor, and the courthouse was built at a cost of $213, 168. Adjacent to the courthouse was a matching jail (razed during the 1950s), built at a cost of about $120,000.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
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.
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About Allen County
Allen County Timeline
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.
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.
Allen County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.