History of Auglaize County, Ohio

Auglaize County, located in west-central Ohio, has a rich history that spans from its Native American origins to its role in the development of the American frontier. Established in 1848, the county was named after the Auglaize River, which runs through it, and has played an important role in the agricultural, industrial, and cultural development of the region. The county’s history is marked by early Native American settlements, European exploration, and its connection to the early canal system, all of which helped shape the community and its economy. Today, Auglaize County is known for its historical landmarks, vibrant small towns, and natural beauty.

Origins and Early History

The area that would become Auglaize County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Shawnee, Wyandot, and Miami. These tribes used the region’s rivers and fertile land for farming, hunting, and fishing. The Auglaize River, which flows through the heart of the county, was central to the livelihoods of these tribes. The Native Americans, especially the Shawnee, lived in this area for centuries before European settlers arrived.

The first known European explorers to pass through the area were French traders in the late 1600s. However, settlement by Europeans did not begin until the late 18th century. The area was part of the Northwest Territory and, later, the state of Ohio, which was admitted to the Union in 1803. As white settlers began to push westward, they displaced the Native American population, culminating in the forced removal of the Shawnee people to reservations further west in the early 1800s.

Following the departure of the Native American tribes, the area became part of the land that was available for settlement under the federal government’s land programs. The establishment of the canal system in Ohio in the early 19th century played a significant role in attracting settlers to the region. The Miami and Erie Canal, which ran through the future Auglaize County, was a key transportation route that linked the Ohio River to Lake Erie, facilitating the movement of goods and people.

Formation and Early Development of Auglaize County

In 1848, Auglaize County was officially established by the Ohio state legislature, carved out of parts of Mercer and Allen counties. The county was named after the Auglaize River, which in turn is believed to have been named by French settlers from the word “au glaise”, meaning “with clay,” in reference to the river’s muddy waters. The river played a crucial role in the county’s early development, serving as a vital transportation route for both Native Americans and settlers.

The county’s first settlement was the town of Wapakoneta, which would later become the county seat. Wapakoneta, named after the local Shawnee tribe, grew rapidly as the region’s agricultural and industrial base expanded. The Miami and Erie Canal, which ran along the northern edge of the county, allowed goods such as grain, lumber, and livestock to be transported to markets across Ohio. This helped create a thriving economy based on agriculture, as well as industry and trade.

Throughout the 19th century, Auglaize County developed into an important agricultural center. Farms produced wheat, corn, oats, and tobacco, and the county’s livestock industry thrived. Industrialization took hold in the late 1800s, with the construction of mills, factories, and foundries, driven in part by the canal system and later by the advent of the railroad.

The Civil War and Post-War Development

During the Civil War, Ohio played a crucial role in supplying troops and resources to the Union Army. Auglaize County sent soldiers to fight for the Union cause, although the county itself saw little direct military action. However, the war affected the county in various ways, including economic disruptions and the challenges of a divided nation.

After the Civil War, Auglaize County, like many other parts of Ohio, experienced a period of rebuilding and growth. The agricultural economy remained strong, but industrialization accelerated, particularly in towns such as Wapakoneta and St. Marys. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further connected the county to larger regional and national markets, stimulating trade and commerce. Wapakoneta’s position as the county seat and a center for business and government ensured its continued growth.

During the 20th century, Auglaize County’s economy continued to be rooted in agriculture, although manufacturing and service industries gained importance. The county saw growth in manufacturing, particularly in industries like machinery, chemicals, and rubber. However, as the 20th century progressed, many of these manufacturing jobs began to disappear due to automation and offshoring.

Today, Auglaize County is a mix of rural farmland, small towns, and suburban development. Wapakoneta and St. Marys are the largest cities in the county, and agriculture still plays a key role in the local economy, though diversification has occurred over the years.

Key Historical Events in Auglaize County

One of the most significant historical events in Auglaize County was the construction of the Miami and Erie Canal in the early 19th century. This canal linked the Ohio River to Lake Erie and ran through the northern part of the county, helping to establish Auglaize as an important agricultural and industrial center. The canal also helped to promote migration to the region, which led to the growth of towns such as Wapakoneta, St. Marys, and New Bremen.

Another notable event in the county’s history was the establishment of the Armstrong Air and Space Museum in Wapakoneta. The museum, dedicated to astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon, celebrates the achievements of the Apollo program and Wapakoneta’s connection to space exploration. Armstrong, a native of Wapakoneta, became a national hero and his legacy is deeply ingrained in the identity of the town and the county.

Historical Sites in Auglaize County

Audiences visiting Auglaize County today can explore several historical sites that offer a glimpse into the area’s rich past, from Native American heritage to space exploration.

1. Armstrong Air and Space Museum

Overview: Located in Wapakoneta, the Armstrong Air and Space Museum honors the life and legacy of Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon. The museum features exhibits on the history of the space program, Armstrong’s journey to the moon, and the legacy of the Apollo program.

Location: 500 Apollo Dr, Wapakoneta, OH 45895
Ticket Price: Adults – $10; Children (6-18) – $7; Children under 6 – Free
Parking Information: Free parking is available on-site.

2. Wapakoneta Historical Society Museum

Overview: The Wapakoneta Historical Society Museum showcases the history of Wapakoneta and Auglaize County. Exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including Native American history, the founding of Wapakoneta, and the county’s agricultural development.

Location: 206 W. Main St., Wapakoneta, OH 45895
Ticket Price: Free, donations welcome
Parking Information: Street parking is available near the museum.

3. St. Marys Historical Society Museum

Overview: This museum features exhibits that focus on the history of St. Marys, one of the largest cities in Auglaize County. The museum includes collections related to the city’s industrial past, early pioneers, and its role in the canal system.

Location: 201 E. Spring St., St. Marys, OH 45885
Ticket Price: Free, donations welcome
Parking Information: Free parking is available near the museum.

4. The Miami and Erie Canal

Overview: The Miami and Erie Canal played a crucial role in the development of Auglaize County, and sections of the canal can still be visited today. The canal features scenic views and offers a glimpse into the region’s industrial and agricultural history.

Location: Various locations throughout Auglaize County, including St. Marys and Wapakoneta
Ticket Price: Free
Parking Information: Parking is available at designated areas along the canal route.

County Facts

Geography and Climate

Auglaize County is located in west-central Ohio, bordered by the Auglaize River to the north and several smaller tributaries that feed into it. The county is part of the larger Miami River watershed, with rolling hills, fertile farmlands, and numerous small lakes and ponds. The county’s landscape is primarily agricultural, with large tracts of farmland, forests, and wetlands interspersed throughout the area.

The climate in Auglaize County is classified as humid continental, with four distinct seasons. Summers are typically warm and humid, with average high temperatures in the mid-80s to low 90s (°F). Winters can be cold, with temperatures often dipping below freezing, and snow is common from December through February. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with spring and summer generally being wetter months.

Key County Facts

• Year Founded: 1848
• County Seat: Wapakoneta
• Population: Approximately 46,000 (2020 census)
• Population Density: 174 people per square mile
• Largest Cities: Wapakoneta, St. Marys, New Bremen
• Major Highways: U.S. Highway 33, U.S. Highway 68, State Route 29
• Adjacent Counties: Mercer County, Shelby County, Allen County, Logan County, Hardin County