Lima in Allen County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Allen County Courthouse

Arts & Culture • Lima, OH

— Lima's Local History Hunt —

Allen County Courthouse Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, April 25, 2026

1. Allen County Courthouse Marker

Inscription. From its humble origins in James Daniels' log cabin in 1820 to the grand structure that stands today, the Allen County Courthouse symbolizes Lima's institutional growth and civic pride. The current courthouse is the county's third and was built between 1881 and 1884. Designed by George H. Manzel, the Allen County Courthouse displays majestic Second Empire style: ornate window arches, a commanding central pavilion, and a soaring clock tower. In the 1990s, the courthouse was remodeled, and an adjacent Justice Center was constructed and connected via an overhead bridge. Its continued presence, adaptive use, and preservation speak volumes about Lima's respect for its past and commitment to its future. Image courtesy of the Allen County Historical Society.

Erected 2026 by America 250-Ohio Commission. (Marker Number 9.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the America 250: Ohio Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1820.

Location. 40° 44.589′ N, 84° 6.308′ W. Marker is in Lima, Ohio,

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in Allen County. It is at the intersection of North Main Street and East North Street (Ohio Route 81), on the right when traveling south on North Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 N Main St, Lima OH 45801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Till Plains.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Allen County Courthouse (a few steps from this marker); Allen County Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Allen County, Ohio (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Bell (within shouting distance of this marker); The Met Block (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Old Bell (within shouting

Photographed by Craig Doda, April 24, 2026

2. Allen County Courthouse Marker

distance of this marker); Ohio Theater (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ohio's First Electric Street Car Line (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lima.

Also see . . . Lima's Local History Hunt. (Submitted on April 26, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.)

Allen County Courthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, April 25, 2026

3. Allen County Courthouse

America 250-Ohio Commission image. Click for full size.

Photographed by America 250-Ohio Commission

4. America 250-Ohio Commission

Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 15 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 26, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 4. submitted on April 30, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.