Perrysburg in Wood County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Amos Spafford / Perrysburg
In 1810, early settlers here were Major Amos Spafford (1753-1818), his wife Olive (1756-1823), and their children Samuel, Aurora , Chloe (Mrs. Almon Gibbs), and Anna (Mrs. Richard Craw). In 1796, Spafford, a native of Connecticut, was a surveyor for the Connecticut Land Company. He drew the first map laying out Cleveland and named the city. He left there in 1810 following appointment as custom's collector and postmaster for the new port at the foot of the Maumee River rapids, Port Miami of Lake Erie. Spafford was granted a 160 acre land patent on River Tracts #64 and #65 in Waynesfield township, signed by President James Monroe and was able to purchase it following the 1817 Treaty of the Rapids that extinguished Native American claim. Two years later, 67 families lived in the area, but most fled at the outbreak of the War of 1812.
[Reverse Side of Marker]: "Perrysburg"
Following the War of 1812, settlers reestablished the Maumee River town nicknamed "Orleans of the North" hoping to rival to New Orleans in Louisiana Territory. The town was wiped out twice by spring ice flows. In 1816 the federal government platted a new town on the bluff, and Major Amos Spafford named it Perrysburg, spelling it Perrysburgh, in honor of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's naval victory over the British fleet in Lake Erie during the War of 1812. The main street was named Louisiana Avenue. Wood County was formed in 1820 and included Maumee, which separated in 1835 when Lucas County was formed. Perrysburg was the county seat in 1823 until it was moved to Bowling Green in 1875. Spafford died in 1818 and was buried on his land west of Fort Meigs.
Erected 2002 by Ohio Bicentennial Commission, The Longaberger Company, Perrysburg Ohio's Bicentennial Committee/Historic Perrysburg, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 14-87.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Settlements & Settlers • War of 1812 • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #05 James Monroe, and the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1810.
Location. 41° 33.018′ N, 83° 39.146′ W. Marker is in Perrysburg, Ohio, in Wood County. Marker is on West Indiana Avenue (Ohio Route 65) near Fort Meigs Road, on the right when traveling south. This historical marker is located in front of the museum / visitor center that is part of the Fort Meigs state park facility. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Perrysburg OH 43551, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 17th Infantry Regiment (within shouting distance of this marker); Army Lodge No. 24 Free and Accepted Masons (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Meigs / Introduction 1 (about 400 feet away); Fort Meigs / Introduction 2 (about 400 feet away); Fort Meigs / Introduction 3 (about 400 feet away); Fort Meigs / Introduction 4 (about 400 feet away); Stockade (about 600 feet away); Fort Meigs / Construction (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Perrysburg.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 2, 2019. It was originally submitted on March 7, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,075 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 7, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.