Historical Markers in Williams County, Ohio
Agnew-Shinabarger American Legion Post 307 Pioneer, Ohio
Bicentennials of the Northwest Ordinance and the U.S. Constitution
Bob's Boulevard
Bryan Veterans Memorial
Bryan's Air Mail Field
Buck Cemetery Civil War Memorial
Casimir Pulaski
Cedar Hill Farm
Copperbelly Water Snake Habitat Restoration
Denmark
Dr. Paul Allman Siple
Edgar "Mr. Pop" Buell
Edgerton Civil War Monument
Edgerton Fire Bell
Edgerton Town Hall & Park Opera House
Edgerton Veterans Memorial
Entry of The United States
Evans Post No. 149 G.A.R.
First Millstone Used in Mill
Floral Grove Cemetery Veterans Memorial
Fountain City Amphitheater
G. Grant Brown Building
Gold and Blue Star Families
Grisier Funeral Home Veterans Memorial
History Of The Williams County Veterans Memorial
Judge John Perkins Millstones
Knight's Landing
Meditation Garden
Montpelier
Montpelier Civil War Memorial
Montpelier Football
Montpelier Honor Guard Members
Montpelier Town Hall
Nort Centeral High School Veterans Memorial
Paul Allman Siple
Peace Keeping & Cold War Service Memorial
Pioneer
Pioneer 9-11 Memorial
Pioneer Methodist Episcopal Church
Pioneer Veterans Memorial
Pulaski Mothers of World War II Memorial
Rail Speed Record
Richard E. Schreder
Saint Mary School
September 11, 2001
Shiffler Cemetery Veterans Memorial
Site of Parkersburg
Stryker
Stryker
Stryker
Stryker Depot
Stryker Veterans Memorial
Stryker's Railroad Heritage
The Great War
The Nettle Lake Mound Group
The Rock
Veterans Memorial
Veterans Memorial
Veterans Memorial
Veterans Memorial Bench
Veteran's Memorial Park
West Bethesda Civil War Memorial
West Unity Veterans Memorial
What About That Arrow?
William James Knight/Andrews Raiders
Williams County Afghanistan War and 2nd Iraq War Memorial
Williams County Civil War Memorial
Williams County Cold War Memorial
Williams County Courthouse
Williams County Korean War Memorial
Williams County Persian Gulf War Memorial
Williams County Veterans Memorial
Williams County Veterans Memorial
Williams County Vietnam War Memorial
Williams County World War II Memorial
About Williams County
Williams County Timeline
Williams County, Ohio, located in the northwestern part of the state, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Wyandot and Shawnee. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive, with American Revolutionary War veterans receiving land grants here.
The county was officially established in April 1820 and named after David Williams, one of the military leaders in the Battle of Fallen Timbers. The county quickly developed due to its fertile soil and proximity to major waterways, including the St. Joseph River. Agriculture became a fundamental part of Williams County's economy, with crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans being major contributors.
As the county grew, so did its infrastructure. Early settlers constructed roads, bridges, and schools to support the expanding population. In the mid-19th century, the arrival of the railroad brought increased connectivity and economic opportunities. By the late 1800s, Williams County had a network of railway lines, making it easier to transport goods and fostering industrial growth.
Throughout the 20th century, the county continued its agricultural legacy while also diversifying its economy. Manufacturing and industry became significant players, with automotive, steel, and machinery production taking root. The county also saw development in the transportation and retail sectors. Today, Williams County remains a vibrant community with a mix of urban and rural areas, boasting a strong agricultural base complemented by a variety of industries.
The county was officially established in April 1820 and named after David Williams, one of the military leaders in the Battle of Fallen Timbers. The county quickly developed due to its fertile soil and proximity to major waterways, including the St. Joseph River. Agriculture became a fundamental part of Williams County's economy, with crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans being major contributors.
As the county grew, so did its infrastructure. Early settlers constructed roads, bridges, and schools to support the expanding population. In the mid-19th century, the arrival of the railroad brought increased connectivity and economic opportunities. By the late 1800s, Williams County had a network of railway lines, making it easier to transport goods and fostering industrial growth.
Throughout the 20th century, the county continued its agricultural legacy while also diversifying its economy. Manufacturing and industry became significant players, with automotive, steel, and machinery production taking root. The county also saw development in the transportation and retail sectors. Today, Williams County remains a vibrant community with a mix of urban and rural areas, boasting a strong agricultural base complemented by a variety of industries.
Williams County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Williams County, Ohio.
- 1786: The Northwest Territory, including present-day Williams County, is established by the United States Congress.
- 1803: Ohio becomes the 17th state in the union.
- 1824: The area that would later become Williams County is surveyed by the federal government.
- 1828: The first permanent settler, Jacob Backus, arrives in what is now Williams County.
- 1831: The county is officially organized, with Williams Center serving as the county seat.
- 1834: The first post office is established in Williams County.
- 1846: The village of Montpelier is platted and becomes the new county seat.
- 1848: The first courthouse is built in Montpelier.
- 1851: The first railroad, the Michigan Southern and Northern Indiana Railroad, is completed through Williams County.
- 1875: The first oil well is drilled in Williams County, leading to a boom in the local oil industry.
- 1881: The courthouse in Montpelier is destroyed by fire, but a new courthouse is quickly built in its place.
- 1920: The Williams County Fair is established and continues to be a popular annual event.
- 1930s: The Great Depression brings economic hardship to Williams County, but the construction of the Ohio Turnpike in the 1950s helps to revitalize the local economy.
- 2004: The Williams County Historical Society is founded to preserve and promote the history of the county.
- 2019: Williams County celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years since its founding.