National Register Listing

Beecher, Lucas, House

215 W. Washington Row, Sandusky, OH
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

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 social history houses residential buildings
The Ohio Statehouse, located in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the oldest working statehouses in the United States. Construction on the building began in 1839 and was completed in 1861.
Ohio random facts
Erie County, Ohio is located in the northeastern part of the state, bordering the southern shore of Lake Erie. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Erie and Iroquois, before European settlers arrived. The first permanent European settlement in the county was established in 1808 by Platt Benedict, who built a log cabin near present-day Milan.

During the 19th century, Erie County experienced significant growth and development. The completion of the Erie Canal in 1825, which connected the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, played a crucial role in the county's economic expansion. The canal brought increased trade, industry, and population to the region, with several towns and villages springing up along its path, including Huron and Sandusky.

Sandusky, the county seat, became a prominent center of commerce and transportation due to its location on Lake Erie. The city served as a major port for shipping goods, and the growth of the railroad network in the mid-19th century further enhanced its prominence. Sandusky also became a popular destination for tourists, with the development of resorts and amusement parks along its waterfront.

In the 20th century, Erie County continued to thrive as industries such as manufacturing and tourism flourished. The county's manufacturing sector played a significant role in supporting the local economy, producing goods ranging from automobiles to furniture. The establishment of Cedar Point amusement park in the late 1800s solidified Sandusky's status as a tourist destination, attracting visitors from across the country.

Today, Erie County remains an important economic and cultural hub in Ohio. It is known for its natural beauty, with picturesque landscapes, sandy beaches, and wildlife habitats. The county continues to draw tourists with attractions like Cedar Point and the Lake Erie Islands, while also maintaining a strong manufacturing sector.

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

  • 1800: Erie County is established by the Northwest Territory Act.
  • 1807: The first European settlers, the Cuddeback brothers, arrive in the area.
  • 1817: The county seat is established in Milan.
  • 1824: The Erie Canal opens, connecting the Great Lakes to the Hudson River.
  • 1838: The Ohio State Reformatory, a historic prison, is built in Milan.
  • 1882: The Sandusky Bay Bridge, now known as the Thomas A. Edison Memorial Bridge, is completed.
  • 1903: The Cedar Point amusement park opens, becoming a major tourist attraction.
  • 1919: The Great Lakes Historical Society is founded in Vermilion to preserve and promote the history of the Great Lakes region.
  • 1970: The Stranahan Arboretum is established in Toledo, offering a natural retreat for visitors.
  • 1991: The Merry-Go-Round Museum is opened in Sandusky, showcasing the history and artistry of carousel animals.