National Register Listing

Lorain County Courthouse

308 2nd St., Elyria, OH
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

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 law courthouses buildings
The first traffic light in the world was installed in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1914. It had only two colors, red and green, and was manually operated by a police officer.
Ohio random facts
Lorain County, Ohio has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Erie, Ottawa, and Wyandot tribes. European settlement began in the late 1700s, with the arrival of French and English fur traders and missionaries. The area eventually became part of the Connecticut Western Reserve, a land tract in northern Ohio settled by Connecticut residents.

In 1824, Lorain County was officially established and named after the Lorraine region in France. The county quickly grew in population and became an important center for agriculture, industry, and commerce. The construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal in the 1830s further boosted the county's development, connecting it to the Great Lakes and allowing for the transportation of goods.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Lorain County became known for its thriving industries, such as steel production, manufacturing, and shipbuilding. The city of Lorain, in particular, grew into a major industrial hub, attracting workers from various parts of the country. The county also played a significant role during World War II, with many of its industries contributing to the war effort.

In recent decades, as the manufacturing industry declined, Lorain County has focused on diversifying its economy and promoting sectors such as healthcare, education, and tourism. Today, the county is home to several colleges and universities, including Oberlin College and Lorain County Community College. The county's natural beauty and recreational opportunities, including Lake Erie and various parks, continue to attract visitors and residents alike. Lorain County's history and its ongoing efforts for growth and development make it a fascinating and vibrant place to explore.

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

  • 1807 - Lorain County is officially established.
  • 1812 - The first permanent settlement is established in Elyria.
  • 1832 - The Ohio and Erie Canal opens, boosting the county's economic growth.
  • 1857 - Oberlin College becomes the first coeducational college in the United States.
  • 1894 - Lorain experiences a significant population boom due to the growth of its steel industry.
  • 1905 - Lorain becomes a city.
  • 1919 - The United Steel Workers union is established in Lorain.
  • 1942 - The Ford Motor Company builds a large plant in Lorain, contributing to the county's industrial prominence.
  • 1980 - The decline of the steel industry leads to economic challenges in Lorain County.
  • 1996 - The Lorain County Community College opens, providing educational opportunities for residents.
  • 2010 - Lorain County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.