Historical Markers in Richland County, Ohio
120th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Memorial
Abraham Lincoln
Allen J. (A. J.) Vandayburg
Brooks' Room
Civil War Cannons
Commander Edward Parker Wood
Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
East Cell Block
First Religious Service
General James Hedges
Gold Star Families Monument
Hemlock Falls / The Groveport River
John Chapman
John Sherman, 1823-1900 / The Sherman Anti-Trust Act
Johnny Appleseeds Run for Reinforcements
Johnny Appleseeds Town Lot
Lincoln Highway Marker
Louis Bromfield / Malabar Farm
Lt. Col. Jared Mansfield
Madison Township Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building
Mansfield Block House
Mansfield Blockhouse
Mansfield Blue Star Mothers War Memorial
Mansfields 135th Anniversary & Veterans Memorial
Mansfield's War Of 1812 Blockhouse
Mansfield's War of 1812 Blockhouse
Richland County Korean War Memorial
Richland County Soldiers' Monument
Richland County Vietnam Veteran's Memorial
Richland County War Memorial
Richland County World War I Memorial
Sultana Tragedy
The Chapel
The Ohio State Reformatory
The Sultana Disaster
Union Meeting House Bell
Vasbinder Fountain
We Remember The Holocaust And Say... Never Again
"Johnny Appleseed" Monument
About Richland County
Richland County Timeline
Richland County, OH has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Delaware and Wyandot, before European settlers arrived. The first permanent European settlement was established in 1808, and the county was officially created in 1809.
During the early years of its settlement, Richland County was primarily an agricultural community, with farming being the main economic activity. However, the discovery of rich iron ore deposits in the mid-19th century transformed the county's economy. The emergence of the iron industry spurred rapid growth and attracted many immigrants to the area to work in the mines and mills.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Richland County experienced further industrial development in sectors such as steel, machinery, and rubber. This led to the rise of several major companies in the region, including the Ohio Brass Company and the Mansfield Tire & Rubber Company. The county's industrialization attracted a diverse workforce and brought prosperity to the area.
Throughout its history, Richland County has also been known for its cultural and educational institutions. The county is home to many notable landmarks, including the Ohio State Reformatory, which gained fame as the filming location for the movie "The Shawshank Redemption." Richland County also boasts several museums, such as the Mansfield Memorial Museum and the Mansfield Art Center, which showcase the region's history and cultural heritage.
In summary, Richland County, OH has a history rooted in agriculture and industry. From its early agricultural roots to its transformation into an industrial powerhouse, the county has played a significant role in Ohio's economic development. Today, Richland County continues to thrive as a vibrant community with a diverse cultural scene and a strong sense of history.
During the early years of its settlement, Richland County was primarily an agricultural community, with farming being the main economic activity. However, the discovery of rich iron ore deposits in the mid-19th century transformed the county's economy. The emergence of the iron industry spurred rapid growth and attracted many immigrants to the area to work in the mines and mills.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Richland County experienced further industrial development in sectors such as steel, machinery, and rubber. This led to the rise of several major companies in the region, including the Ohio Brass Company and the Mansfield Tire & Rubber Company. The county's industrialization attracted a diverse workforce and brought prosperity to the area.
Throughout its history, Richland County has also been known for its cultural and educational institutions. The county is home to many notable landmarks, including the Ohio State Reformatory, which gained fame as the filming location for the movie "The Shawshank Redemption." Richland County also boasts several museums, such as the Mansfield Memorial Museum and the Mansfield Art Center, which showcase the region's history and cultural heritage.
In summary, Richland County, OH has a history rooted in agriculture and industry. From its early agricultural roots to its transformation into an industrial powerhouse, the county has played a significant role in Ohio's economic development. Today, Richland County continues to thrive as a vibrant community with a diverse cultural scene and a strong sense of history.
Richland County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Richland County, Ohio.
- 1808 - Richland County is established, named after the fertile soil found in the region.
- 1809 - Mansfield, the county seat, is founded.
- 1846 - The Ohio State Reformatory, famously known for being the filming location of "The Shawshank Redemption," is built.
- 1855 - The Mansfield Normal School (now known as Mansfield University) is founded.
- 1861-1865 - Richland County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
- 1908 - The famous Kingwood Center Gardens is established by Charles Kelley King.
- 1929 - The Lahm Airport (now Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport) opens as a military airfield.
- 1937 - Malabar Farm State Park, the former home of author Louis Bromfield, is opened to the public.
- 1970 - The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, a famous racing track, holds its first race.
- 1994 - The Mansfield Motorsports Speedway opens, hosting various racing events.