Historic Warren County

An illustrated history of Warren County, Ohio, paired with histories of the local companies. More than 200 years of history awaits the visitor to Historic Warren County. Heritage, culture, entertainment, industry - we have it all! The project book will highlight all these wonderful features and more which make this corner of southwest Ohio a destination for families, businesses and visitors alike. Starting in 1797, the newly-opened Northwest Territory provided a refuge for Quaker settlers who arrived in what is now Waynesville after fleeing their home state of South Carolina in protest against the scourge of slavery. The Friends form a still-active community in this diverse county which was named for the first American soldier killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill, General Joseph Warren. Numerous stops along the Underground Railroad dot the gently rolling countryside; quaint villages line the curving rural lanes and historic buildings nestle gracefully alongside modern technology in a thriving county which remains the fastest growing in Ohio. The spirit of freedom which led those brave pioneers is alive and well Historic Warren County.

Warren County's townships, nestled in the northwest corner of Pennsylvania, were originally formed from the land grants awarded by William Penn and his descendants to many individuals and families. Warren County was established March 12, 1800, and grew in prosperity from agriculture, lumber, oil, rafting, railroads, and tanning. The Allegheny National Forest and Allegheny River both provide magnificent arenas for many local recreational and business opportunities. In 1965, Warren County became home to the Kinzua Dam as the flooding of Corydon and parts of Kinzua Township created the reservoir. While most of the eastern and southern parts of the county are broken and hilly, the northeastern section is mostly glacial territory. Hearts Content in Watson Township is one of the few virgin timber tracts remaining in the Allegheny National Forest.