Like many towns in this area, the City of Ashland began as a tiny settlement consisting of one unpaved street lined with primitive cabins. In addition, the name first chosen for the village didn't last long.
Formally planned in 1815 by William Montgomery, that dusty street and cluster of cabins was first called Uniontown. Seven years later, however, the name was changed to Ashland with the establishment of a post office. In that year (1822) Ashland boasted two distilleries, a shoemaker, a blacksmith, a wheelwright and its own physician.
The little town had struggled to get this far! The year after Uniontown's founding, it experienced the year without a summer. The month of May that year was referred to as a regular winter month, and the following winter was the worst ever known according to historical accounts.
By 1846, the population of Ashland stood at about 1,300. The town had gained its own charter two years earlier, and now stood as a frontrunner to become the county seat of the newly formed Ashland County. On April 6, 1846, Ashland won this honor over neighboring Hayesville.
Ashland University, founded in 1878, is today one of the county's largest employers and provides the area with numerous cultural events and opportunities.
Ashland has had its share of well-known residents and visitors. Lorin Andrews, one of the first children born in Uniontown, went on to become the president of Kenyon College in Gambier. Brothers F.E. and P.A. Myers founded a pump company which would become one of the town's largest industries. And John Chapman, a.k.a. Johnny Appleseed, left Ashland County and the surrounding areas a legacy of apple trees and the legend of his life as well.
The village of Ashland became the City of Ashland in 1916, and the population has continued to grow. Today the city operates under a mayor-council form of government; William E. Strine is the current mayor.
As it faces the future, Ashland remains a special place to live and work. The city enjoys many amenities normally found in large metropolitan areas, such as a private university, classical dance company, symphony orchestra, beautiful parks system and even an annual BalloonFest. In addition, area attractions and activities abound, with the Mohican State Park - offering camping, hiking, fishing and canoeing - nearby. In and around Ashland, numerous shops and restaurants serve residents and visitors alike. The area also anticipates the opening of the new Johnny Appleseed Heritage Center and Outdoor Drama in nearby Mifflin, near the Ashland-Richland County line.
All this and more explain why more than 21,000 people are proud to call Ashland, and the beautiful countryside that surrounds it, home.
- Sources: Ashland Community Guide 2000, www.ashlandoh.com, 2000 US Census. (June 2002 Edition)