Wyandot County Courthouse and Jail

Courthouse Sq., Upper Sandusky, OH
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Ohio was the birthplace of seven US presidents: Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, William Howard Taft, and Warren G. Harding.
Wyandot County is located in northwest Ohio and has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The county was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Wyandot people, from whom the county derived its name. In 1812, the Wyandot signed a treaty with the United States government, relinquishing their lands in Ohio and moving westward. This opened up the area for settlement by European Americans.

The first permanent European American settlers arrived in Wyandot County in 1843, and the county was officially established in 1845. The early years of settlement were challenging as pioneers had to clear forests and prairie lands for agriculture. The county developed slowly but steadily, with the construction of roads and railroads facilitating trade and transportation.

During the mid- to late-1800s, Wyandot County experienced significant growth in population and economy. The discovery of natural gas in the late 1800s brought an influx of industries, such as glass manufacturing and oil refining. The county also became known for its agriculture, particularly corn and wheat production. The development of educational institutions, infrastructure, and social organizations contributed to the county's progress and prosperity.

In the 20th century, Wyandot County continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. The decline of the glass industry in the early 1900s led to a shift towards manufacturing and retail trade. The county also saw advancements in infrastructure, including the construction of highways and the growth of urban areas. Today, Wyandot County is a vibrant community with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, agriculture, and services, and it continues to be shaped by its rich history and the spirit of its residents.

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

  • 1785 - Wyandot County established by the Northwest Territory
  • 1813 - Battle of the Thames fought in present-day Wyandot County during the War of 1812
  • 1845 - Wyandot County officially organized as a separate county
  • 1850 - First railroad enters the county, boosting transportation and economic development
  • 1861-1865 - Wyandot County residents serve in the Union Army during the American Civil War
  • 1876 - Wyandot County Courthouse, a prominent local landmark, is completed
  • 1890s - Agricultural boom with the introduction of new machinery and improved farming techniques
  • 1940s-1950s - Wyandot County experiences post-World War II growth, expanding industries and population
  • 2007 - Wyandot County Bicentennial celebrates 200 years of history and community