Historical Markers in
Shelby County, Ohio

Beehive Community Church Big Four Bridge Brookside Cemetery Burkhart Building Carey's Hall First Brick House Fort Loramie Fort Loramie Veterans Monument General Harmar Military Trail George W. Bush George Washington Bicentennial German American Bank Gold Star Families Memorial Greene Ville Treaty Line Greenville Treaty Line Hardin Hardin In Memoriam John W. Carey Korn Field Airport Lockington Locks Lois Lenski Loramie's Store 1769 & Fort Loramie 1794 Miami and Erie Canal Miami Erie Canal Mile Stone Monumental Building Peoples Federal Savings and Loan Association Building Perry Township Veterans Memorial Pioneer Portage Port Jefferson School Bell Ross Bridge Rumley Schultz's Battery Shelby County Korean Conflict / Vietnam War Memorial Shelby County Operation Desert Storm Memorial Shelby County Veterans Memorial Shelby County World War I - World War II Memorial Sidney Sidney and Shelby County Millenium Monument Sidney Fire Bell Sidney Veterans Memorial St. Patrick Catholic Church Tawawa Park The Ohio Canals The Old Jail The Shelby County Courthouse The Site of the St. Jacob Lutheran Church and Cemetery Theodore Roosevelt / William Howard Taft US Bank Wenger One Room School Zenas King Bowstring Bridge
The Wright brothers, who invented and flew the first successful airplane, were from Dayton, Ohio. The city is now home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
Ohio random facts
Shelby County is located in the western part of Ohio and has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1819. The county was named after Isaac Shelby, a Revolutionary War hero and the first governor of Kentucky. Prior to its settlement, the land was occupied by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee, who were eventually displaced as more settlers arrived.

The first permanent settlement in Shelby County was made by John Hardin in 1817. Other pioneers soon followed, establishing towns and communities throughout the area. The city of Sidney, named after Sir Philip Sidney, was platted as the county seat and became a hub for trade and commerce. The county flourished in the mid-1800s, with the development of industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation.

During the Civil War, Shelby County played a significant role, contributing soldiers to the Union Army and providing support to the war effort. The county's economy continued to grow after the war, with the expansion of the railroad network providing access to new markets and opportunities. Agriculture remained a vital industry in the region, and Shelby County became known for its fertile farmland and productive farms.

In the 20th century, Shelby County continued to evolve and adapt to the changing times. The county experienced both the challenges and progress of industrialization, with the rise and decline of various industries. Today, Shelby County remains a vibrant community with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and education. The county's historical landmarks and cultural heritage are preserved and celebrated, reflecting its past while looking towards a bright future.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Shelby County, Ohio.

  • 1819 - Shelby County established by the Ohio legislature
  • 1820 - First settlers arrive in the area
  • 1833 - Sidney chosen as the county seat
  • 1842 - Sidney becomes an incorporated city
  • 1850 - Population reaches over 12,000
  • 1861-1865 - Many residents serve in the American Civil War
  • 1870 - First railway line is established in the county
  • 1880 - County population exceeds 20,000
  • 1896 - First automobile is seen in Shelby County
  • 1920s - Industries such as manufacturing and agriculture thrive
  • 1950s - Significant growth and development in Shelby County
  • 1980s - Economic decline as manufacturing jobs decrease
  • 1990s - Efforts made to revitalize the county's economy
  • 2000s - Continued growth in various sectors including healthcare and education