History
Historical Events which Formed Union County
Although the county was organized in 1820, its history dates back to the post-Revolutionary War period. At that time, the land that comprise present day Union County was part of the wilderness of the Northwest Territory. Most of the county was originally placed in the Virginia Military District. This was a section of the Northwest Territory reserved by the State of Virginia as bounty lands for soldiers who served in the Continental Line of the Virginia army during the Revolutionary War. The northern part of the county, however, was originally designated as part of the Indian Territory. The Indian Territory was created in 1795 by the Treaty of Greenville. According to the treaty, whites could settle south of the agreed “treaty line.” All lands north of this line were reserved as Indian Territory. This treaty opened the way for white settlement of lands in what would become present day Union County.
The first settlement was a town platted by surveyor and noted frontiersman, Lucas Sullivant. In 1797, he laid out a town called North Liberty on Big Darby Creek. It was one of the first towns in the Northwest Territory and consisted of 325 lots. The first residents to the town were James and Joshua Ewing who were the first permanent settlers on land which later became Union County.
From 1799 to 1812, settlement continued along the Big Darby Creek. In 1812, a military road was constructed known as Post Road which helped increase settlement in the area from 1812 to 1820. Towns came into existence such as Lower Liberty, Upper Liberty, Milford, Plain City and a Shaker settlement called Rice City. A town was laid out on Millcreek by Samuel Culberson in 1819 which he named after his daughter Mary, called Marysville.
By 1820, the population of the region grew to almost 2,000. The pioneers had cleared the wilderness and established homes and farms. They developed towns, industry and commerce, and organized schools and churches. It was determined that the newly settled lands should be formed into a new county. Through the efforts of Representative James A. Curry, an act declaring the establishment of Union County was passed in the Ohio Legislature on April 1, 1820 from lands of Delaware, Franklin, Madison and Logan counties. Marysville was named as the county seat but since it was just beginning, the town of Milford was named as the temporary capitol for two years.
Today, Union County still endures as a successful, well-developed county. It continues to grow year by year and stands as a monument to the integrity, courage and fortitude of the pioneer settlers who carved a county out of the Ohio wilderness.
In 1844, the first significant highway was constructed through Union County, known as Route 33. The highway opened opportunities for economic development.
In 1883, the current County Courthouse was dedicated in Marysville. The new courthouse was referred to as a “temple” compared to the previous courthouse which stood at the northeast corner of Fifth and Main Street. Several years ago, the courthouse was refurbished to maintain the historical landmark that it has become for Union County. In 2006, the callirons were restored and play on the half hour.
In 1854, a railway was constructed through Marysville. The railway still is a major part of the transportation system.
In 1868 Orlando McLean Scott founded the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. Their humble beginnings were in Uptown Marysville at 126 South Main Street. Today, their world corporate headquarters is located just off Route 33 on Scottslawn Road.
In 1967 complete air facilities were provided with the dedication of the Union County Airport. The airport continues to provide charter and cargo service. During the same year, Goodyear tire plant was dedicated.
In 1974, the Transportation Research Center was dedicated north of Marysville on Route 33. In 1979 Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc. started its motorcycle production plan within Union County.
Experience the Heritage of Union County
The Union County Historical Museum maintains comprehensive collections of rare glass pieces, china collections, silver, furniture, clothing and war relics. Each artifact represents an important part of Union County’s proud heritage and the lifestyles of its early residents. The Union County Court House features exquisite detail and magnificent architecture and craftsmanship. Veteran’s Memorial features a more subtle architectural charm. The walls of its auditorium serve as a giant canvas for a full-size mural along with a photo gallery and museum displays.
Historical Walking Guides of Marysville are available at the Union County Convention and Visitors Bureau for a nominal fee. The guide is available on CD at the Marysville Public Library.
On July 19, 1979, a group of genealogists and historians who were interested in preserving the family histories of Union County met with the intent to form a Union County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society. On May 3, 1980, the charter was granted and the organization has met every month since.
In late 2005, a group of citizens developed a Historic Walking Tour for Marysville which features historic buildings in Uptown Marysville. This guide is available at the Convention and Visitors Bureau office.
In late 2006, the Plain City Historical Society opened a Historical Museum in downtown Plain City, a block from the “town clock” located in the Barto-Keiser Hardware building. The clock is one of only two in the nation that is still working. Plain City is also known for its Amish influence.
The Village of Richwood boasts an Opera House that was built in 1892. Renovation efforts are underway to restore it to its original grandeur. Richwood is known for its many Victorian homes. Visitors especially love strolling Franklin Street just to appreciate all the period details.
Click here for the Heritage Tour brochure created by 2008 Leadership Institute class Sheryl Burtch, Greg Delong, Debra Schaner, Gregg Stubbs, Jennifer Wiilis.