Findlay, Ohio

During the War of 1812, Colonel James Findlay built a road to transport troops across the region and constructed a stockade that was named Fort Findlay in his honor. The community of Findlay began to emerge in the area surrounding the fort after the war was over.

In the years prior to the Civil War, Findlay served as a stop on the Underground Railroad for slaves escaping to Canada.

In the mid 1880s, the community gained national attention when natural gas and oil were discovered nearby. Although the gas wells were soon depleted, the oil wells continued to provide income in the area. Numerous other industries emerged as Findlay’s population grew quickly during this era. The town boasted several newspapers, including one printed in German for the German immigrants in the community. There were a number of glass manufacturers, ranging from window glass to table glasswear and bottles. Findlay also was home to several woodworking firms and furniture manufacturers, a woolen mill, brick manufacturers, and a company that made typewriters, among other businesses.

University of Findlay

The University of Findlay is also located in the community. On January 28, 1882, the Church of God and the city of Findlay, Ohio, established Findlay College. By 1897, the college had established an endowment of more than 100,000 dollars and boasted 16 faculty members.

In 1989, Findlay College became known as the University of Findlay. By 2000, the institution boasted 65 different areas of undergraduate study and 8 graduate programs. The university is especially well known for its equestrian studies program and offers equestrian riding as a varsity sport.

In 2005, more than 3,300 undergraduates and 1,200 graduate students were enrolled at the university, which also boasts a sizable international student body, representing 30 countries.

Findlay today

Today, Findlay is known as “Flag City USA.” In the 1960s, a man named John Cooke moved to Findlay. Believing that every American should fly the American flag on Flag Day, Cooke worked to provide everyone in the community with a small flag. The designation was made official with a resolution of the U.S. House of Representatives on May 7, 1974. Residents of Findlay are still proud of their town’s nickname to this day.

Points of Interest

Hancock Historical Museum displays and collects information about Hancock County from prehistoric times to the present.

422 West Sandusky Street
Findlay 45840
(419) 423-4433

Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and communicating information about railroading, from model trains to full size trains.

11600 County Road 99
Findlay 45840
(419) 423-2995

Jeffrey's Antique Gallery is called Northwest Ohio's largest antique shop. Located in historic Findlay, is home to 230 antique dealers in a very long building. Located just west of I-75 at exit 161.

11326 Township Road 99
Findlay 45840
(419) 423-7500

Old Mill Stream Parkway provides a scenic setting for a system of river parks, trails, boat access sites and historical areas called the Old Mill Stream Parkway. The meandering waterway extends 18 miles between Riverbend Recreation upstream to Blanchard Landings downstream connecting park areas, sportsmen access areas and hiking, biking and canoe trails.

Blanchard River Greenway is part of the Old Mill Stream Parkway and represents a network of river parks and sites conveniently located along the Blanchard River within the City of Findlay.

Blue Rock Nature Preserve receives its’ name from the heavy, bluish clay mined from the property in the early 1900’s. Remington Arms Company used the clay for their Blue Rock brand clay sportsmen’s targets. The strip-mined area has now been returned to a natural state.

Oakwoods Nature Preserve was originally, a privately owned picnic and fishing area, Oakwoods is a successful community preservation effort. Grants and private donations helped the HPD purchase the original woods and lake in 1984, opening to the public in 1985. Railroad tracks and buildings were located in the area of the Richard S. “Doc” Phillips Discovery Center, but were destroyed by fire in 1916. The Discovery Center was dedicated and opened to the public in 1994.