Historical Markers in
Columbiana County, Ohio

9/11 Memorial Ascension Church Beaver Creek Beginning Point of the U. S. Public Land Survey Birthplace of Catholicism in Northern Ohio Bradshaw's Hall Canal Tunnels Carnegie Public Library Central School Ceramic Theater Cherry Valley Coke Ovens Church Hill Road Bridge / Timber Covered Bridges Civil War Naval Cannon Civil War Veterans Memorial Death of Pretty Boy Floyd Diamond Theater Dustin Huffman Memorial Overlook Firestone Bros. Bankers First Paper Mill / Little Beaver Creek Bridge Gateway To The Northwest Gavers Harvey S. Firestone I.O.O.F. Building In Memoriam Isaac Knowles - Knowles Block J.C. Thompson Building Korean War Memorial Land Ordinance of 1785 / The Seven Ranges Little Beaver Creek Lock 36 Locke's Building Log House Museum Log House Museum Mary Patterson Memorial Building Millstones Monroeville-In A Trap Morgan's Surrender Ohio's Gateway Ohio's Oldest Brick Building Potters National Bank Building POW★MIA Rebecca Furnace Riverview Cemetery Salem Site of Hanna Log Cabin Site of The Taylor Mansion St. Philip Neri Stage Coach Inn State Theater Stone House Sturgis House Teegarden-Centennial Covered Bridge / Teegarden The American Theater The Great Trail The Lincoln Highway The Mansion House Hotel The Old Town Pump The Pottery Capital of America The Supreme Court of the State of Ohio The Whitacre House Site Thomas J. Malone Bridge / Gaston's Mill Traveler's Hotel Unserheim Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Mural Vietnam War Memorial W.L. Thompson Music Store Wellsville Honor Roll Wellsville Mural Wellsville Ohio W.W.II P.O.W. Wellsville's Oldest Bell West Point Vicinity World War I Memorial You Are Not Forgotten
The Kent State shootings, in which National Guardsmen shot and killed four students during a protest against the Vietnam War at Kent State University in 1970, took place in Ohio. The incident sparked widespread protests and led to the closure of hundreds of universities and colleges across the United States.
Columbiana County, located in northeastern Ohio, has a rich and diverse history dating back to the early 1800s. The county was founded in 1803 and was named after Christopher Columbus, an important figure in American history. The area was initially settled by Native American tribes, such as the Delaware and Shawnee, before European settlers arrived.

In the early 19th century, Columbiana County became known for its industrial and agricultural activities. The discovery of vast coal deposits in the region led to the establishment of numerous mining operations, which fueled the county's economic growth. The county also experienced significant growth along the Ohio River, with the development of river ports and the shipping industry.

During the mid-1800s, Columbiana County played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad, which helped enslaved people escape to freedom in the northern states and Canada. Prominent abolitionists and conductors, such as Charles B. Christman and John and Viola Copeland, worked tirelessly to support fugitive slaves and assist them on their journey. The county also witnessed the rise of the abolitionist movement, with public rallies and meetings advocating for the end of slavery.

In the later years, Columbiana County experienced various economic shifts. The decline of the coal industry around the mid-20th century had a significant impact on the county's economy. Nevertheless, the county diversified its economic base, with the growth of tourism, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. Today, Columbiana County continues to preserve its rich history through historical sites, museums, and events, attracting visitors and historians alike.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Columbiana County, Ohio.

  • 1803: Columbiana County is established as the 26th county in Ohio.
  • Early 1800s: The county's economy grows with the development of agriculture, including wheat, corn, and livestock.
  • 1830s: The construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal brings increased trade and transportation to Columbiana County.
  • Mid-1800s: The county experiences a boom in coal mining and iron production, becoming a leading supplier of these resources.
  • Late 1800s: Steel production becomes a prominent industry in the county, supporting the growth of cities like East Liverpool and Salem.
  • Early 1900s: The pottery industry flourishes in East Liverpool, earning the town the nickname "Pottery Capital of the World."
  • 1950s-1970s: The decline of the steel and pottery industries impacts the county's economy, leading to a period of economic instability.
  • 1980s-present: Columbiana County diversifies its economy, focusing on tourism, healthcare, and manufacturing to revive local businesses.