Did You Know?

Ashland County, located in north-central Ohio, has a rich history that reflects the broader narrative of the American Midwest. Officially established on February 24, 1846, Ashland County was formed from portions of Richland, Wayne, Huron, and Lorain counties. Its creation was part of a broader trend in 19th-century Ohio to create smaller administrative units to better serve a growing population. The county was named after “Ashland,” the Kentucky estate of Henry Clay, a prominent American statesman and a favorite of local voters at the time.

Long before European-American settlement, the area that would become Ashland County was home to various Native American tribes, including the Delaware (Lenape), Wyandot, and Shawnee. These groups used the region’s forests, rivers, and fertile land for hunting, farming, and trade. Following a series of treaties and forced removals in the early 1800s, most Native Americans were displaced from Ohio, opening the land for Euro-American settlement.

The first permanent settlers arrived in the early 1800s, primarily from Pennsylvania and New England. These early pioneers were drawn to the area’s fertile soils and plentiful resources. Agriculture quickly became the backbone of the local economy, with crops like wheat, corn, and oats thriving in the region’s glaciated landscape. By the mid-19th century, Ashland was a growing hub for small-scale manufacturing, particularly in the production of farm implements and machinery.

Ashland, the county seat, developed as a vibrant commercial and cultural center. Originally known as Uniontown, the town changed its name to Ashland in 1846 when it was selected as the county seat. The town benefited from its strategic location along stagecoach lines and, later, railroads, which facilitated trade and population growth.

The county also played a modest role during the Civil War. Many local men enlisted in the Union Army, and the area was active in the abolitionist movement, with some residents participating in the Underground Railroad. The post-war period saw continued growth, with education and religious institutions playing an increasingly prominent role in community life.

Ashland College, founded in 1878 by the German Baptist Brethren Church (now the Church of the Brethren), became a major institution in the area. Now known as Ashland University, it continues to contribute significantly to the county’s cultural and economic life.

Throughout the 20th century, Ashland County remained largely rural but saw steady industrial and residential development. Manufacturing, especially in rubber products and specialty machinery, became an important sector. In the post-World War II era, improved transportation networks, including Interstate 71, helped integrate Ashland more closely with larger urban centers like Cleveland and Columbus.

Today, Ashland County is known for its strong community identity, mix of agriculture and industry, and vibrant educational institutions. It balances small-town charm with economic and cultural activity, continuing to reflect the pioneering spirit of its early settlers.