County Profiles: Paulding
 Welcome to Paulding CountyPaulding County is located in the heart of major consumer, agricultural, and industrial markets. Fifty percent of the nation's buying force lies within 500 miles. The county linked to these markets by state and federal highways, with interstates and a turnpike nearby, and two metropolitan airports only minutes away. A portrait of Paulding County is a study of continuity and change. Our schools and libraries, our businesses, homes, and farms embrace the latest advances in technology and science. Yet, as we look ahead, our citizens remain rooted in traditional American values. History: Among its broad fields and thriving communities, Paulding County offers the security of a peaceful, relaxed, country lifestyle and attractive quality of life in the heart of the Midwest. Paulding County, formed in 1820, is named for Revolutionary War hero John Paulding. The young patriot, along with two others, captured Major Andre, a British spy. The current county seat was established in the Village of Paulding in 1851. The county's 416 square miles are home to eleven villages and more than 20,000 residents. Until the 1800's, Paulding County was part of the heavily forested "Great Black Swamp" that covered northwest Ohio. The area was cleared and drained by hard-working settlers in the second half of the 19th century, turning it into some of the most fertile farmland in the state. The construction of the Wabash & Erie Canal and the Miami Canal through Paulding County in the mid-1840s helped foster the county's early development. These vital thoroughfares met at the village of Junction. The merging of the canals made Junction the chief rival of Fort Wayne as the area's center of commerce. Remains of these two canal systems can still be seen today. Recreation: Paulding County has two major rivers within its boundaries: the Maumee River, a state-designated Scenic River and the Auglaize River. Several streams, creeks, and smaller rivers wind through the county. The county's parks, campgrounds, swimming pools, and golf courses offer many recreational opportunities. Cultural and civic activities include two museums, a community band, theater groups, local summer and fall festivals, the county fair, youth activities, senior citizen's center, and a wide variety of active clubs, organizations, and churches. Business: The Predominant industry in Paulding County is farming. In addition, there is an ever-increasing number of businesses and manufacturers. County residents take pride in the diverse products that are shipped across the United States and around the world. |
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Ohio Department of Development - Region 3
Phone: (419) 229-5320
