Historical Markers in Ottawa County, Ohio
Adolphus Kraemer
Amareta Mosher Anchor
American Expedition 1813
American Revolution 1775-1784
Battle Of Bataan War Memorial
Boundary Marker
Camp Perry
Civil War
Confederate Stockade Cemetery
Crane Creek Cemetery
Danbury Township World War Veterans Memorial
Elliston Civil War Memorial
Elmore Veterans Memorial
Elmore World War I & World War II Veterans Memorial
End of Harrison's Trail in Ohio - War of 1812
Erie Proving Ground
Erie Township Veterans Memorial
First Battle Site
First Ship-To-Shore Radio Broadcast
Fort Sites / De Lery Portage / French Expedition 1754
Genoa
Genoa
Genoa Town Hall & Opera House
Gibraltar Island
Gibraltar Monument
Home of Benajah Walcott
Hoover Potato Digger & Lakeside
In Memory of Mason, Simonds & Mingus
Indian Mill Stone
Israel Harrington and Elmore
Jay Cooke Mansion
Johnson Island Monument
Johnson's Island
Johnson's Island Civil War Prison
Johnson's Island Civil War Prison and Fort Site
Johnson's Island Prison
Joseph De Rivera St. Jurgo, 1813-1889
Lake Erie
Lakeside
Lockwood
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area
Marblehead Lighthouse
McCormic-Deering Farmall F-12
Oelschlager's Dry Goods Store
Old French War - Pontiac's Conspiracy - Revolutionary War / French Expedition, 1754
Ottawa County Courthouse
Ottawa County Veterans Memorial
Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial
Port Clinton Light Station
Port Clinton Veterans Memorial
Railroad Importance to Camp Perry
South Bass Island Light
State Route 51 Concrete Arch Bridge over the Portage River
The Doller House
The Fire of October 20, 1929 / The Lakeside Volunteer Fire Protective Association
The JohnsonÂ’s Island Committee
The Keeper's House
The Light / The Keepers of the Light
The Lookout
The View From Here
The View From Here
USS Wasp CV7 Memorial
Veteran Park
Veterans Memorial
Veterans Memorial
Veterans Memorial Bench
Veterans Recreational Park
War of 1812
Within This Enclosure
World's Shortest Airline
About Ottawa County
Ottawa County Timeline
Ottawa County, located in the state of Ohio, has a rich and varied history. The county was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ottawa, Miami, and Wyandot peoples. European exploration and settlement began in the late 18th century, when British and French traders established contact with the Native Americans in the area.
In 1831, Ottawa County was officially established, named after the Ottawa tribe who once inhabited the region. The area experienced significant growth and development in the mid-19th century, particularly with the advent of the railroad. The construction and expansion of rail lines facilitated the transportation of goods and people, stimulating economic growth and attracting new settlers to the county.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ottawa County's economy was predominantly driven by agriculture and fishing. The fertile lands of the region made it ideal for farming, and many farmers cultivated crops such as wheat, corn, and soybeans. The proximity to Lake Erie also made fishing a lucrative industry, with fishermen catching a variety of fish species, including walleye and perch.
In the 20th century, Ottawa County saw the growth of tourism, largely due to its location on the shores of Lake Erie. The county's picturesque landscapes, sandy beaches, and recreational opportunities attracted visitors from both nearby cities and other states. The construction of resorts, marinas, and amusement parks further enhanced the region's appeal as a vacation destination. Today, Ottawa County continues to thrive as a popular tourist spot while also maintaining its agricultural roots.
In 1831, Ottawa County was officially established, named after the Ottawa tribe who once inhabited the region. The area experienced significant growth and development in the mid-19th century, particularly with the advent of the railroad. The construction and expansion of rail lines facilitated the transportation of goods and people, stimulating economic growth and attracting new settlers to the county.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ottawa County's economy was predominantly driven by agriculture and fishing. The fertile lands of the region made it ideal for farming, and many farmers cultivated crops such as wheat, corn, and soybeans. The proximity to Lake Erie also made fishing a lucrative industry, with fishermen catching a variety of fish species, including walleye and perch.
In the 20th century, Ottawa County saw the growth of tourism, largely due to its location on the shores of Lake Erie. The county's picturesque landscapes, sandy beaches, and recreational opportunities attracted visitors from both nearby cities and other states. The construction of resorts, marinas, and amusement parks further enhanced the region's appeal as a vacation destination. Today, Ottawa County continues to thrive as a popular tourist spot while also maintaining its agricultural roots.
Ottawa County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Ottawa County, Ohio.
- 1831: Ottawa County is established and named after the Ottawa Native American tribe.
- 1837: The first courthouse is built in Port Clinton.
- 1840: The first official census puts the county's population at 903 residents.
- 1873: The iconic Marblehead Lighthouse is completed.
- 1900: The population of Ottawa County reaches 15,672.
- 1929: The Great Depression begins and has a major impact on the county's economy.
- 1940: The population surpasses 20,000 for the first time.
- 1957: The Ohio Turnpike opens, providing improved transportation access to the county.
- 1972: The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is established.
- 1992: Catawba Island State Park is opened to the public.