Celebra ng 200+ Years of Lorain County History

Since 2007, fourteen towns and cities in Lorain County have celebrated 200 years since their official founding, and now it is time for the county itself to mark the milestone. In 2024, programs and events will be held to commemorate the rich history and the promising future of Lorain County.

After the Revolutionary War ended in 1783, the former colonies gave up their claims to unsettled lands in the west to the new federal government. Connecticut surrendered its land in the Ohio Country, except for an area along the shore of Lake Erie, known as the

Western Reserve. Indigenous Americans had been living on this land for 12,000 years, since the end of the last Ice Age.

Two years after Ohio became a state in 1803, the Western Reserve west of Cleveland was ceded by Native American Nations to the U.S. government. This opened the land for settlement. Abundant natural resources, from Lake Erie and the Black River to sandstone deposits and fertile farmlands, drew settlers to this land. Columbia Township and the area at mouth of the Black River (now Lorain) were the first settlements in 1807. Rochester Township was last to be settled, in 1827.

Soon after Heman Ely founded Elyria in 1817, historic documents show his intention to influence the State of Ohio to organize a new county, with Elyria as the county seat. This would prove to be a challenge and would take several years, but the State of Ohio enacted legislation to form Lorain County from parts of Cuyahoga, Huron and Medina Counties on December 26, 1822. Elyria was chosen to be the county seat on February 14, 1823. Another act of the State of Ohio on January 21, 1824 provided for the organization of Lorain County, to take effect April 1, 1824. The first three Lorain County Commissioners were elected in April, and the county began functioning and operating that month. The first session of court and first meeting of the commissioners was held on May 24, 1824.

Learn about special activities and educational programs, including a special day of commemorative events planned for May 24, 2024, by visiting www. loraincountyohio.gov/714/Lorain-Countys-Bicentennial or lchs.org. The Bicentennial is a special opportunity for people of all ages to learn about the people, places, and events that have shaped our communities. Join in the 200th celebration as we continue to make history together!