Toledo Ohio History

Ohio’s fourth largest city was founded in 1833 when the towns of Lawrence and Vistula joined on the site of a former stockade called Fort Industry. Before the European settlers made their way there, the area was long inhabited by Native American tribes and many of the names in the area come from them. The area was later the site of the Battle of Fallen Timbers, which helped determine the future of the Northwest Territory. The site of the battle, discovered in 1995, is now marked with a monument and park. In the early part of the 19th Century, the city enjoyed a strong growth due to its strategic location as a crossroads to several major rail lines and canals. Industries began to take off, including glass works and Toledo soon became known as the city of glass. Production slowed during the Great Depression, however, wartime production boomed. The city began manufacturing the Jeep vehicle for the war, and has been involved with its manufacture ever since. As with many midwestern cities, growth has slowed with the decline of industry. The city still retains a classic air of early Americana that attracts visitors by the busload from throughout the region. Famous natives include actress Katie Holmes, actor Jamie Farr, writer P.J. O’Rourke, and feminist Gloria Steinem.