Ashland County is located in North Central Ohio and is home to a population of over 54,000 people. It covers an area of 514 square miles, making it one of the largest counties in the state. The county is bordered by Richland County to the north, Wayne County to the east, Holmes County to the southeast, Lorain County to the southwest, and Medina and Huron counties to the west.
The county has a variety of topography ranging from flat plains in its western and northern regions to rolling hills and low mountains in its eastern region. The Black Fork Mohican River runs through Ashland County from its source near Loudonville in Richland County all the way through Perrysville before emptying into Lake Erie near Huron.
Ashland County also has several lakes including Salt Fork Lake located on Salt Fork State Park which is one of Ohio’s largest state parks at over 8,000 acres. There are also several smaller lakes such as Charles Mill Lake which provides great fishing and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.
The climate in Ashland County is generally mild with hot summers and cold winters but temperatures can vary greatly depending on elevation. The majority of rainfall occurs during spring and summer months while snowfall usually peaks between December through February or March depending on location within the county.
Overall, Ashland County is a great place for those looking for outdoor recreation opportunities as well as a peaceful rural lifestyle with easy access to nearby cities such as Cleveland and Columbus for more urban amenities.
Country Seat and Other Main Cities of Ashland County, Ohio
The county seat of Ashland County is the city of Ashland which is located in the center of the county. The city has a population of over 21,000 and is home to Ashland University, one of Ohio’s largest private universities. The city also features many historical sites such as the Ashland County Courthouse and the Ashland Opera House which are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The other major cities in Ashland County include Loudonville and Perrysville, both located in the southwestern part of the county near Salt Fork State Park. Loudonville is a small town with a population just over 2,000 and is known for its scenic views on the Black Fork Mohican River. Perrysville is slightly larger with a population just over 3,500 and offers access to boating and fishing on Charles Mill Lake. See cities in Ohio.
Other smaller towns within Ashland County include Savannah located near Ashland University; Polk located near Salt Fork State Park; Hayesville located in western Ashland County; Jeromesville located northeast of Hayesville; and Glenmont located near Richland County. Each town provides unique opportunities for visitors such as shopping, dining, outdoor recreation, historical sites, and more.
Overall, there are plenty of great places to visit within Ashland County no matter what you’re looking for whether it’s urban amenities or rural tranquility. With its varied topography and diverse cities there’s something for everyone in this beautiful part of Ohio.
History of Ashland County, Ohio
Ashland County, Ohio was officially established in 1846 and is located in the north central part of the state. The county was named after Henry Clay’s estate in Kentucky, Ashland. It is bordered by Richland, Huron, Knox, Holmes, and Wayne counties. The total population of Ashland County as of 2019 was 54,068.
The first settlers arrived in Ashland County in 1815 after being granted land from the Connecticut Western Reserve. These pioneers were mostly from New England and came to the area to seek their fortune with farming and lumbering. By 1846 the population had grown enough that it warranted its own county government and on February 24th of that year Ashland County was officially created.
Throughout the 19th century Ashland County experienced a period of steady growth with several industries emerging such as coal mining, oil drilling, manufacturing, and agriculture. This economic boom led to an increase in population as well as new towns forming throughout the county.
In the 20th century Ashland County continued to experience growth although not as much as during its earlier years due to a decrease in industry around this time. The county also began to shift away from its primarily agricultural focus towards more service-oriented businesses such as tourism and education which are still prevalent today.
Today Ashland County continues to be a popular destination for those looking for outdoor recreation opportunities or a peaceful rural lifestyle with easy access to nearby cities like Cleveland or Columbus for more urban amenities. With its diverse terrain and vibrant communities it’s no wonder why so many people choose to call this beautiful part of Ohio home.
Economy of Ashland County, Ohio
The economy of Ashland County, Ohio is largely driven by agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and retail. Agriculture has long been a cornerstone of the local economy with the county being home to a variety of farms that produce corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, and much more. The manufacturing sector is also an important contributor with several companies located in the area making a variety of products from steel to plastic to furniture.
Tourism is another major industry in Ashland County due to its rich history and scenic landscapes. The county is home to numerous historic sites such as Malabar Farm State Park which was once owned by American author Louis Bromfield and Gorman Nature Center which offers educational programs for visitors. It’s also a popular destination for outdoor recreation activities such as boating on Lake Erie or hiking through Mohican State Park.
Retail is another important component of the economy with several shopping centers throughout the county providing jobs and generating revenue for businesses in the area. There are also many restaurants that cater to both locals and tourists alike offering a variety of cuisines from all over the world.
Overall, Ashland County has a diverse economy that provides employment opportunities for its residents while also bringing in revenue through taxes and tourism dollars. With its rich history and vibrant communities it’s no wonder why so many people choose to call this beautiful part of Ohio home.