Historical Markers in
Lake County, Ohio

A. Y. Austin Post 74, G.A.R. Memorial Airborne Memorial Bridge Campaign Office Carriage House Charter Oak Triangle Cora Gaines Carrel Coulby Park Daniel Carter Beard Edward Paine Expanding the House Fairport Harbor Lighthouse Fairport is an Excellent Harbor Four Institutions of Learning Front Porch Campaign Garfield's Farm Gasholder Building Henry Kelsey Devereux and “The Spirit of ’76” Hugh Mosher and the "Spirit of '76" James A. Garfield and the Civil War James A. Garfield's "Lawnfield" Kirtland Temple La Salle Expedition Lake County YMCA Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Station Lawnfield Marsh Settlement Mathews House Mentor Avenue Historic District Mentor Lagoons Mentor Lagoons Water Trail Mentor Veterans Memorial Mormon Community Rabbit Run Theater Railroad Connection Rose Capital of the Nation The Casement House / General Jack and Frances Jennings Casement The Griffith Disaster, 1850 The Pleasant Valley Road Bridge The Willoughby University of Lake Erie Medical College 1834-1847 Thomas W. Harvey Unionville Tavern Uri Seeley House Willoughby Civil War Memorial Willoughby Veterans Memorial Windmill
The Great Serpent Mound, located in Adams County, Ohio, is a prehistoric effigy mound in the shape of a serpent that is more than 1,300 feet long. It is one of the largest effigy mounds in the world and is estimated to have been built by the Adena culture more than 1,000 years ago.
Ohio random facts
Lake County, Ohio, located in the northeastern part of the state, has a rich and varied history that dates back thousands of years. The area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Erie and Iroquois, before the arrival of European settlers. The first Europeans to explore the region were French fur traders, who established a trading post at the mouth of the Grand River in the late 17th century.

In the early 19th century, settlers began moving into the area, attracted by the fertile land and the opportunity for trade along Lake Erie. The county was officially established in 1840, and its name was derived from the numerous lakes and rivers that dot the landscape. The construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal in the 1820s further stimulated growth and commerce in the region.

Lake County played a significant role in the development of industry in Ohio. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the county became a hub for manufacturing, particularly in the steel and automotive industries. The city of Painesville, the county seat, was home to several successful companies, including the Diamond Alkali Company, which later became Diamond Shamrock and was a major producer of chemicals.

In recent years, Lake County has embraced its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The county is known for its stunning Lake Erie beaches, charming wineries, and picturesque parks. It has also developed a strong tourism industry, attracting visitors from across Ohio and beyond. Lake County continues to evolve and grow, with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism, while also preserving its historical roots.

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

  • 1800: Lake County was established as the second county in the Connecticut Western Reserve.
  • 1805: The city of Painesville was founded and became the county seat.
  • 1812: The War of 1812 brought conflict to the region, with several battles taking place on Lake Erie.
  • 1822: The first courthouse was built in Painesville.
  • 1835: Lake County's first newspaper, the "Lake County Gazette," was published.
  • 1850: The Lake County Agricultural Society was founded to promote farming and agricultural development.
  • 1861-1865: Lake County residents actively participated in the American Civil War.
  • 1876: The first railroad line, the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway, was completed in the county.
  • 1895: The first public library in Lake County, Painesville Public Library, was established.
  • 1942-1946: During World War II, Lake County supported the war effort through industries such as aircraft manufacturing and naval supplies.
  • 1967: Lakeland Community College, a two-year community college, opened in Kirtland.
  • 1988: The Holden Arboretum, a large botanical garden, merged with the Kirtlandia Society to become one of the largest arboretums in the United States.
  • 2009: The Lake County Captains, a minor league baseball team, started playing at the Classic Park stadium in Eastlake.