National Register Listings in Seneca County, Ohio
Aigler Alumni Building
Bagby-Hossler House
Beatty Glass Company
Black Student Union Center
Bowman's Distillery
College Hall
Cory, Ambrose, House
Downtown Tiffin Historic District
Fine Arts Building
Fort Ball-Railroad Historic Disrict
Fostoria Downtown Historic District
Founders Hall, Heidelberg College
France Hall
Gerhart-Rust Residence
Great Hall
Hanson Machinery Company
Hedges-Hunter-Keller-Bacon Gristmill
Henny Barn
Heter Farm
Hunter, William, House
Laird Hall
Miami Street Grade School
Michaels Farm
Mueller Brewery
Mueller, Christ, House
National Home, Daughters of America
National Orphans' Home, Junior Order United American Mechanics
North Sandusky Street Historic District
Northeast Tiffin Historic District
Octagon, The
Ohio Lantern Company
Omar Chapel
Pfleiderer Center for Religion and the Humanities
Pleasant Ridge United Methodist Church and Cemetery
President's House
Social Science House
Springdale
St. Boniface Roman Catholic Church, School, Rectory, and Convent of the Sister of the Precious Blood
Tiffin Agricultural Works
Tiffin Art Metal Company
Tiffin Waterworks
Umsted Farm
Wagner Brothers Bottling Works
Webster Manufacturing
Williard Hall
About Seneca County
Seneca County Timeline
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.
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.
Seneca County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in 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.