Findlay College

Historical marker location:
1000 N. Main Street, Findlay, Ohio
( Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (Ohio Route 12) and George Street, on the left when traveling north on Main Street.)
Marker installed: 1982

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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.
Hancock County, Ohio is a county located in the northwestern part of the state. Its history dates back to the early 1800s when it was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Wyandot. European settlement began in the early 1820s, with pioneers from Pennsylvania and Virginia establishing towns such as Findlay, the county seat.

The county's development was greatly influenced by the discovery of oil and natural gas in the late 1800s. This led to an influx of industries and population growth, as people flocked to the area for employment opportunities. Findlay became known as the "Oil Capital of the World" due to its significant oil production, and this industry played a pivotal role in shaping the county's economic and cultural landscape.

Over the years, Hancock County has experienced periods of prosperity and challenges. During World War II, the county's manufacturing sector boomed as it supported the war effort. After the war, the county continued to diversify its economy, with manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare becoming prominent industries.

Hancock County has also seen its fair share of cultural and community development. It is home to the University of Findlay, which was established in 1882 and has since become an integral part of the county's educational system. The county also boasts various parks, museums, and historical landmarks, preserving its rich heritage and providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Today, Hancock County continues to thrive as a vibrant and growing community with a strong sense of history and progress.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Hancock County, Ohio.

  • 1820 - Hancock County is established
  • 1833 - The county seat is relocated from Findlay to Fostoria
  • 1834 - The first courthouse is built in Findlay
  • 1845 - The Findlay and Western Railroad is completed, connecting Findlay to other cities
  • 1863 - The Civil War impacts the county, with numerous residents serving in the Union Army
  • 1881 - Oil is discovered in the county, leading to an economic boom
  • 1893 - Floods devastate Findlay and the surrounding areas
  • 1905 - The Findlay Publishing Company is founded
  • 1920 - The discovery of natural gas brings another economic boom to the county
  • 1950 - The population of Hancock County reaches its peak at over 80,000 residents
  • 1973 - The Hancock Historical Museum is established
  • 2007 - The Marathon Petroleum Corporation, a major employer in the county, is formed