Lake County, Ohio, founded in 1840, sits on the shores of Ohio’s greatest continuous resource – Lake Erie. Lake County is part of the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Scenic – Byway and historic markers dot the county’s roadways recalling Ohio’s past.

The Historic Lake County Alliance, a group of over 13 county historical groups, share the history of early America and the Western Reserve through historic sites across the county. Lake Metroparks properties such as Paine Falls, Indian Point Fort and Hell Hollow allow visitors to witness artifacts of the county’s early pioneers and industries. Gully Brook, Chapin Forest and Girdled Road Reservation allow park visitors to view the scenic vistas and wildflower landscapes that attracted the families whose names (Paine, Skinner, Richmond, Willoughby, Kirtland and Holden) still resonate in county memories. Penitentiary Glen was once the summer farm to Cleveland’s Halle Brothers Family and Lakeland College’s Mooreland Mansion was once visited by Eleanore Roosevelt. James A. Garfield purchased a farm on Mentor Avenue in the mid-1800’s, today it is a National Historic Site. Garfield Park, the old Mentor Recreation Park, down the road once belonged to members of the Garfield family.

Fairport Harbor holds another mark on history; it was the stopping point in 1831 for Mormon leader Joseph Smith on his way to Kirtland, Ohio. A historic village is open to the public today just down the hill that the 1830’s Mormon Church stands upon. Not far away, the 1871 Fairport Lighthouse remains and is open to the public. Two of its keepers had major roles in local history; Keeper Samuel Butler was an early abolitionist who saved over 100 slaves and Keeper Joseph Babcock served in the Civil War. The lighthouse, Rider’s Tavern (Painesville), Dock Road in Madison and the Unionville Tavern were all noted stops on the Underground Railroad.

If living history is appealing, Lake County has many opportunities to experience it. For instance, Rail Fanning Days still occur at the old Painesville Depot,  maritime histories of Manry’s Tinkerbelle sailing record and the Griffith Disaster (Willowick), as well as the Edmund Fitzgerald (Fairport) are still told and Harry Coulby’s (Interlake Steamship Co.) Millionaires Row home is still standing in Wickliffe and now serves as the City Hall. The old Painesville Beach State Park (1953) still has appeal as it is known today as Headlands State Park and it contains one mile of public beach, nearly 1.5 miles of rare dunes and a 1925 lighthouse stands at its point. Willoughby Hills’ link to history features two homes: The Penfield House, a Frank Lloyd Wright design, the other is Squire’s Castle, an unfinished dream home of Standard Oil Co. leader F.B. Squire. The Vineyard House is the county’s oldest home and currently is the site of the Herb Society of America and is open to visitors. And finally, in the not-so-living- history category, visitors to Evergreen Cemetery in Painesville or the Mentor Cemetery can find local history dating back to the Revolutionary War.

Twenty-seven historic markers can be found in Lake County Ohio – all providing a glimpse into the 19th century and beyond. Whether you want to travel back through time, visit Lake Erie’s hidden gems, boat, enjoy area wineries or just park yourself in nature – THINK LAKE COUNTY!

-Dan Maxson, Curator, President Fairport Harbor Historical Society