Seneca County, Ohio

2nd Lt. George W. Locke, Jr A NurseÂ’s Sacrifice in the Great War All Patriots Memorial Archie Rich Bernie Lett Camp Ball Camp Noble Capt. Warren Mason Carlous Stalsworth Charles Langdale Charles Louman Claude Fuqua Cmdr. Leon Morris, USN Donald Pollock Earl Hogue Earl Powers Early Electric Illumination, 1884 Edward L. Pollock Everett Riley Former Federal Post Office Building Fort Ball Fort Seneca Fort Seneca - Harrison Trail Fostoria Fostoria, Ohio Founding of Tiffin G/Sgt. Jay C Blakely G/Sgt. Ralph Bowling George Josey Gingko Tree Glass Heritage Gallery Harry Unger Home Site of the Foster Family Hugh Johnson In Memoriam John Perry Judge John W. Schaufelberger House Junior Home Alumni War Memorial Korean War Lester Potter Lewis George Louis Jones Lt. John Harris M/Sgt. Lonnie Morgan Mercy Hospital of Tiffin / The Sisters of Mercy Come to Tiffin Native American Habitation New Riegel Parish and Convent Ohio Historical Flood Marker Old Fort Centennial Park Old Fort High School World War II Memorial Omar Veterans Memorial Pioneer Milling Co. Pleasant Township Civil War Memorial Randall Little Republic Veterans Memorial Rezin W. Shawhan & the Seneca County Museum Risdon Square Seneca County Civil War Monument Seneca County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Seneca County World War II Memorial Sgt. James Bolen Sgt. Lawrence W. Theis Sgt. Marion Parker Sgt. Ravel Hale Sgt. Raymond Thompson Sgt. Thomas Lynn Sgt. Walter Adams St. Joseph Catholic Church St. Wendelin Parish's Cross Stalsworth Family State's First Female Lawyers Stephens Family The Davidson Brothers The Haines Family The Moore Family The Ritz Theater The Underground Railroad This Memorial Bench Thomas Gardener Thomas Gardner Tiffin Train Depot / Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad to Brady's Island / to Battle Island Veterans Memorial Bridge Veterans Memorial Bridge William Harvey Gibson William Ochs World War I Â…And Dedicated
Seneca County, Ohio has a rich and varied history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Wyandot and Shawnee, who used the land for hunting and fishing. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive in the region, with the first permanent white settlement established in present-day Seneca County in 1817. The county was officially created in 1820 and named after the powerful Seneca Native American tribe.

During the 19th century, Seneca County experienced significant growth and development. The construction of the Miami and Erie Canal in the 1830s boosted the local economy by providing a reliable transportation route for goods and people. This led to the establishment of several canal towns, including Tiffin, the county seat. Tiffin quickly grew into a thriving community, home to mills, schools, churches, and businesses.

Seneca County played a role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to freedom. Abolitionists in the area provided support and shelter for escaped slaves, helping them on their journey to Canada. The region also had a strong German immigrant presence, with many settling in Seneca County and establishing successful businesses and farms.

In the 20th century, Seneca County continued to evolve and adapt. The construction of highways such as U.S. Route 224 and State Route 53 improved connectivity and transportation, further promoting economic development. The county also became home to industrial and manufacturing companies, contributing to employment opportunities and growth. Today, Seneca County maintains its agricultural roots while also embracing modern industries and tourism, offering a vibrant and diverse community for its residents and visitors.
Brief timeline of the history of Seneca County, Ohio:

  • 1817: Seneca County is established in the state of Ohio.
  • 1824: The county seat is established in Tiffin.
  • 1853: The first railroad, the Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad, is completed in Seneca County.
  • 1892: The Seneca County Courthouse, designed by architect Elijah E. Myers, is completed.
  • 1929: The Ritz Theatre, a historic movie theater, opens in downtown Tiffin.
  • 1969: Heidelberg University, a private liberal arts college, merges with Tiffin University.
  • 1980: The Tiffin Glass Museum is established, showcasing the history of Tiffin's glass manufacturing industry.
  • 1998: Seneca Caverns, a popular tourist attraction, celebrates its 70th anniversary.
  • 2019: Seneca County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.

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