History of Ashtabula County, Ohio

Ashtabula County, located in the northeastern corner of Ohio, has a rich history shaped by its natural resources, geographical location along Lake Erie, and the development of key industries such as agriculture, railroads, and steel. Established in 1800, the county played an important role in the expansion of Ohio as well as in the industrialization of the United States. Over the centuries, Ashtabula County has seen the rise of early settlers, the growth of transportation infrastructure, the flourishing of the steel and coal industries, and significant involvement in the Underground Railroad. Today, the county is known for its history, natural beauty, and charming small-town atmosphere.

Origins of Ashtabula County

Early Native American Inhabitants

Before European settlers arrived in the region, Ashtabula County was inhabited by several Native American tribes, most notably the Erie, a group of Iroquoian-speaking peoples. The Erie were one of the prominent indigenous nations in the Great Lakes area. They lived along the shores of Lake Erie and were known for their fishing, hunting, and agricultural practices. In the 1600s, the Erie people were devastated by conflicts with other Native American tribes, particularly the Iroquois Confederacy, which led to their near extinction by the mid-17th century.

The land that is now Ashtabula County became part of the Ohio Territory after the American Revolution and was eventually opened for settlement in the early 19th century.

European Settlement and Early Development

In the late 1700s and early 1800s, European settlers began to move into the region, attracted by the fertile land and access to Lake Erie. Ashtabula County was officially established in 1800, carved from portions of Trumbull and Geauga counties. Early settlers were primarily of European descent, including people from New England, Pennsylvania, and later immigrants from Germany, Ireland, and Scandinavia. These settlers were drawn to the region’s agricultural potential, especially farming, as well as the abundant natural resources.

The city of Ashtabula, the county seat, was founded on the banks of the Ashtabula River, which provided transportation and trade routes. The river became an important hub for shipping goods such as timber, coal, and agricultural products, making it a key part of the county’s early economy.

The Rise of Transportation and Industry

The arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century dramatically altered Ashtabula County’s economy and landscape. The Ashtabula and New York Railroad, completed in 1852, connected the region to the growing industrial hubs of Cleveland, Buffalo, and beyond. This increased access to markets and materials, spurring further industrial development. Ashtabula quickly became a key center for coal and iron ore shipping, due to its location along Lake Erie and its proximity to the major steel mills in Pittsburgh and Cleveland.

By the late 1800s, Ashtabula County’s economy was dominated by the shipping industry, with the Ashtabula Harbor serving as one of the busiest ports on the Great Lakes. This period marked the growth of heavy industry in the county, with steel production, coal mining, and ironworks shaping the local economy for decades.

Ashtabula County’s Role in the Underground Railroad

Ashtabula County played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad during the 19th century. The county’s location near the border with Pennsylvania made it an important stop for enslaved people escaping from the South, heading toward Canada. Ashtabula was part of the “Northern Tier” of the Underground Railroad, which offered secret routes and safe houses for people escaping slavery. The Ashtabula River, with its shipping routes and access to Lake Erie, made it easier for abolitionists to help runaway slaves cross into Canada and achieve freedom.

One of the most significant figures in Ashtabula’s involvement in the Underground Railroad was John D. L. Huntington, a well-known abolitionist and conductor on the Underground Railroad. Huntington, who lived in the city of Ashtabula, provided shelter, food, and guidance for escaped slaves before helping them cross into Canada.

The Growth of Industry and the Birth of the Steel Industry

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw Ashtabula County continue to develop as a hub of industry. The iron and steel industries played a central role in the economy. The presence of raw materials like coal and iron ore, along with access to transportation routes by rail and by water, made Ashtabula a prime location for steel mills and associated industries. The nearby iron ranges in Pennsylvania and Michigan, along with Lake Erie’s shipping lanes, contributed to the region’s industrialization.

In the early 1900s, Ashtabula was home to several major steel manufacturing plants, and the county saw an influx of workers from both rural areas and industrial cities. Ashtabula’s economy boomed during the early and mid-20th century as the demand for steel rose, particularly during World War I and World War II.

The Decline of Industry and the Shift to Tourism

In the post-war era, as industries began to decline due to deindustrialization, Ashtabula County’s economy shifted toward tourism and service industries. Many of the old factories and mills were closed or repurposed, and new opportunities in the recreational and retirement sectors began to emerge. The county’s natural beauty, with its scenic coastline along Lake Erie, its rural farmland, and its proximity to major urban centers, made it an attractive destination for tourists and retirees.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the county began investing in its historical and cultural assets, preserving many of its historic buildings and creating recreational opportunities, such as the establishment of local parks and the growth of boating and fishing tourism. Today, Ashtabula County is recognized for its historical significance, its cultural heritage, and its role in the Great Lakes shipping industry.

Key Historical Events

The Establishment of Ashtabula County (1800)

Ashtabula County was officially founded on March 1, 1800, making it one of Ohio’s earliest counties. Named after the Ashtabula River, the county was originally part of the Connecticut Western Reserve and was inhabited by the indigenous Iroquois and later, the Erie and Ottawa tribes. Early settlers were attracted to the region due to its fertile land and proximity to Lake Erie. The growth of the county in the 19th century was largely fueled by its access to natural resources and its location along transportation routes.

The Arrival of Railroads and Industrialization (Mid-1800s)

The arrival of railroads, particularly the Ashtabula and New York Railroad in 1852, was a key turning point for the county’s economy. Railroads facilitated the shipping of coal, iron ore, and timber, transforming Ashtabula into a major transportation hub for industry. The growth of steel mills, ironworks, and coal mining solidified the county’s role in Ohio’s industrialization.

The Role in the Underground Railroad (Early 1800s to Civil War)

Ashtabula’s involvement in the Underground Railroad is one of the county’s most significant historical legacies. Many homes and businesses in Ashtabula County served as secret stops for runaway slaves seeking freedom. The area was strategically located for crossing into Canada via Lake Erie, and numerous local abolitionists, including the influential Huntington family, helped guide enslaved people to freedom.

Economic Shifts and Decline of Manufacturing (Mid-20th Century)

The mid-20th century saw a decline in manufacturing as industries moved south and overseas, and Ashtabula County was not immune to the economic changes brought by deindustrialization. The loss of heavy industry, including steel production, led to significant economic challenges, but the county adapted by shifting its focus to tourism and small businesses. Many of the old steel mills and factories were repurposed or closed, but the legacy of Ashtabula’s industrial past remains a key part of its identity.

Historical Sites in Ashtabula County

1. Ashtabula Harbor Lighthouse

Overview:
The Ashtabula Harbor Lighthouse, built in 1871, is an iconic landmark on the shores of Lake Erie. The lighthouse has served as a guide for ships entering Ashtabula Harbor for over 150 years. The lighthouse is a symbol of the county’s maritime history, particularly its role in the Great Lakes shipping industry.

Location:
Ashtabula Harbor, off Lake Avenue, Ashtabula, OH.

Ticket Price:
Free to visit, but tours may be available for a small fee.

Parking Information:
Street parking is available nearby.

2. The Ashtabula County Historical Society Museum

Overview:
The Ashtabula County Historical Society Museum is located in a historic 19th-century building and offers exhibits on the county’s rich history, including its industrial past, the role of the Underground Railroad, and the region’s Native American heritage. The museum’s exhibits provide valuable insights into the development of the county from the early 1800s to the present day.

Location:
12 W. 13th Street, Ashtabula, OH.

Ticket Price:
Adults: $5, Children: $2.

Parking Information:
Ample parking available at the museum.

3. The Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum

Overview:
The Hubbard House Museum is dedicated to telling the story of Ashtabula’s role in the Underground Railroad. The house was once home to John D. L. Huntington, a key conductor on the Underground Railroad, and offers a glimpse into the lives of those who helped enslaved people escape to freedom. The museum features exhibits, artifacts, and historical accounts of the Underground Railroad in Ashtabula County.

Location:
7105 Hubbard Road, Ashtabula, OH.

Ticket Price:
Free, donations accepted.

Parking Information:
Parking is available on-site.

Ashtabula County Facts

Geography and Climate

Ashtabula County is located in the northeastern corner of Ohio, bordered by Lake Erie to the north, which provides it with a temperate climate and access to maritime shipping routes. The county is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and farmland, as well as the Ashtabula River, which flows into Lake Erie. The climate is humid continental, with cold winters and warm, humid summers. Snowfall is common during the winter months, particularly along the lakefront.

Key Facts

• Year Founded: 1800
• County Seat: Jefferson
• Population: Approximately 98,000 (2020 Census)
• Population Density: 213 people per square mile
• Largest Cities:
  • Ashtabula
  • Jefferson
  • Geneva
• Major Highways:
  • U.S. Highway 20
  • U.S. Highway 90
  • State Route 11
• Adjacent Counties:
  • Lake County (west)
  • Geauga County (south)
  • Trumbull County (east)
  • Erie County, Pennsylvania (north)