Two hundred years ago, the Connecticut Land Company created a plan for the first settlement of that state’s Western Reserve Lands – all of northeastern Ohio from the Pennsylvania border to Sandusky Bay. In the Mahoning River Valley, pioneers began building on the early Indian trails near a great Salt Springs which early trappers and traders had known since colonial times.

In 1800, The Western Reserve was established as Trumbull Co. by the governor of the Northwest Territory and the Village of Warren was selected as the county seat. The name “Trumbull” was chosen to honor the governor of Connecticut Johnathan Trumbull Jr.. Warren elected its first mayor and town council in 1834, as the steady growth of agriculture and industry occurred. The construction of the Pennsylvania and Ohio cross-cut canal in the late 1830’s and the coming of the railroad in the 1850’s served a diverse population which is reflected in today’s sense of place – a people and a way of life.

Over the years, Warren’s public square has been graced by three court houses – the current 1895 structure of Richardson Romanesque architecture dominates the sky-line and serves as a starting point for historic Mahoning Avenue, “Millionaires’ Row”, with its gracious homes which chronicle the architectural styles of the nineteenth century.

City museums abound with the oldest frame house, the John Stark Edwards house, depicting the history and lifestyles of the Connecticut Western Reserve; the Sutliff Museum, with its Victorian motif, where one family’s role in the Trumbull County’s Abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad unfold; the Trumbull Art Guild, featuring local artist and craftsmen; and the Packard Museum, a tribute to the Packard family and the industrial growth of the area and a look at the birthplace of the Packard Motor Car. Here also is the National Landmark Upton House where officers of the women’s suffrage movement convened at the turn of the century.

By 1846, Trumbull County had been divided into fourteen counties, encompassing Cleveland, Akron, Medina, Youngstown, and other communities across the historic landscape. Today, Trumbull County’s remaining 625 square miles (each township is 5 x 5 miles square) is still the heart of the Western Reserve.

The northwest township of Mesopotamia is home to a large population of Amish residents offering a sharp contrast to the urban shopping and recreational areas of Warren, Niles, and the Liberty/Girard metropolitan and interstate highway scene. A covered bridge, octagon houses, apple orchards, Ohio’s first Civil War monument, President William McKinley’s Birthplace Memorial, historic village greens and parks, local museums, and hundreds of well-maintained nineteenth century homes all make a statement about the pride we feel in our heritage. Every taste and interest can be satisfied with a visit to Trumbull County. Many businesses also offer special tours of their workplaces.

Each season of the year paints a new image of the region – the red and gold's of the sugar maple trees make fall a special travel time; the winter snows of the Lake Erie snow belt offer their contrast; and spring and summer provide the greening and flowering of the countryside when our many outdoor opportunities and facilities are enjoyed.

We are celebrating two hundred years amidst the small town atmosphere of northeastern Ohio’s bright metropolitan future. Our people and our neighborhoods welcome you to Trumbull County.

Written by:
Wendall F. Lauth
Trumbull County Historian