Ashtabula County, Ohio | |
|---|---|
 Ashtabula County Courthouse | |
 Flag  Seal  Logo | |
 Location within the U.S. state ofOhio | |
 Ohio's location within theU.S. | |
| Coordinates:41°53′N80°46′W / 41.89°N 80.76°W /41.89; -80.76 | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Ohio |
| Founded | May 1, 1811 |
| Named after | Lenapeashtepihële 'always enough fish to go around' |
| Seat | Jefferson |
| Largest city | Ashtabula |
| Area | |
• Total | 1,368 sq mi (3,540 km2) |
| • Land | 702 sq mi (1,820 km2) |
| • Water | 666 sq mi (1,720 km2) 49% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 97,574 |
• Estimate (2024)[1] | 96,906 |
| • Density | 145.5/sq mi (56.2/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional district | 14th |
| Website | www |
Ashtabula County (/ˌæʃtəˈbjuːlə/ASH-tə-BYU-lə) is the northeasternmostcounty in theU.S. state ofOhio. As of the2020 census, the population was 97,574.[2] Thecounty seat isJefferson, while its largest city isAshtabula.[3] The county was created in 1808 and later organized in 1811.[4] Thename[5]Ashtabula derives from theLenape language phraseashte-pihële, which translates to 'always enough (fish) to go around, to be given away'[6] and is a contraction ofapchi ('always')[7] +tepi ('enough') +hële (verb of motion).[8] Ashtabula County is part of theCleveland, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area.
The county is best known for havingnineteen covered bridges within the county limits, including both the longest and the shortest covered bridges in the United States. Grapes are a popular crop and there are several award-winning wineries in the region due to the favorablemicroclimate from the nearby lake.[9] During the winter, Ashtabula County (along with neighboringGeauga andLake counties, as well asCrawford andErie counties in neighboringPennsylvania) receives frequentlake-effect snow and is part of the Southeastern Lake ErieSnowbelt.
At the time of contact, Ashtabula County appears to have been divided between theErie people in the east and theWhittlesey culture in the west.[10] The Erie were an Iroquoian people, who were organized like the Iroquois, believed in a similar religion and lived in longhouses in palisaded villages and may have had a burial ground at what is now Erie, PA, whereas the uncontacted Whittlesey are mostly believed to have been Algonquians, who also lived in longhouses at the time of contact (after having gone through prior periods of living in wigwams and Fort Ancient style houses) in villages surrounded by earthen berm walls and had smaller, local burial grounds near each settlement. The French were the first to explore the Great Lakes by ship and, having never met the inhabitants, saw the continuation of longhouses and mistakenly assumed the entire region had belonged to the Erie.[11] Both tribes were likely eradicated by the Iroquois Confederacy during theBeaver Wars (approx. 1630–1701), which later bled into the first of the myriad conflicts collectively called the French-Indian Wars, probably specifically some time during the 1650s. TheJesuit Relations claim rumors of infighting between the Erie and an unknown nation to the west of them who were similar to other Algonquian peoples the French had already encountered in the years prior to both tribes' eradication. Three known village sites have been documented by archaeologists from this period in Windsor[12] (located inside what is now a private children's Summer Camp) and two at Conneaut.[13] Following the Beaver Wars, and the first conflict of the French-Indian Wars coming to an end in 1701, an official border between England and France was established at what is now the Ohio-PA border, leading to English forts being erected all along the Pennsylvania side that became crucial in the later conflicts of the French-Indian Wars over the next 50 years.
After Europeans arrived in the Americas, the land that became Ashtabula County was originally part of the French colony ofIllinois Country, which was ceded in 1764 toGreat Britain, along with the rest of Canada (New France) and incorporated into theProvince of Quebec, though generally came to be referred to as Ohio Country. The Iroquois placed a vassal tribe of mostly captured Hurons in the region, who later broke free of their control when the French pushed Iroquois and English influence from the area in the 1690s. This group, known as theWyandot,[14] later ceded settlement of most of the territory roughly between what is now Cleveland, Akron, the Mahoning River and the Ohio-PA border to be a common hunting ground, shared by themselves, the Seneca, Shawnee, Lenape and even the Ottawa, or Mississauga, who lived at the western end of Lake Erie, at the time. The Ottawa were the only residents, who maintained two known hunting camps in Ashtabula County- one at Conneaut, and the other at Andover.[15] The Lenape maintained a handful of villages in western Pennsylvania and one at Youngstown, in Mahoning County. After the end of theNorthwest Indian War, (a conflict which erupted shortly after the American Revolution between the fledgling United States and all the remaining tribes of the Great Lakes region in territory the US claimed) in the 1790s, the Natives were made to turn over ownership of the area to the US via theTreaty of Greenville, and the remaining Ottawa residents were evicted.[16][17] That being said, early settlers recalled that some of the Ottawa remained in the region for an additional thirty years, having been sighted all over Trumbull, Geauga and Portage Counties until sometime around the War of 1812, along with Senecas who lived around Streetsboro. Those in Trumbull County usually had three men who normally spoke interchangeably for them as chief- Kiogg, Paqua and Cadashaway,[18] whereas the Seneca were under a man named Bigson, and later a relative of his named Nickashaw. The area was traversed several times during the period of the French-Indian Wars by the English, including the group led byMajor Robert Rodgers, who ultimately convinced ChiefPontiac to switch sides from the French to the English.[19]
In the late 18th century, the land became part of theConnecticut Western Reserve in theNorthwest Territory, then was purchased by theConnecticut Land Company in 1795, culminating in the settlement of the first American residents in the region. It was created fromGeauga County and a small portion of northernTrumbull County.
During the pre-Civil War period, the entireWestern Reserve area of Ohio was anti-slavery, but Ashtabula County was at the center of the resistance.John Brown's eldest son,John Jr., lived in the county for years, and his brotherOwen took refuge with him when Virginia was seeking to extradite him for his role inthe raid on Harpers Ferry. An armed group of 200 made them safer than anywhere in the U.S., they said, or even Canada.[20]Dangerfield Newby met John Brown in Ashtabula County.[21]
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According to theU.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,368 square miles (3,540 km2), of which 702 square miles (1,820 km2) is land and 666 square miles (1,720 km2) (49%) is water.[22] It is the largest county in Ohio by area.[23]
AcrossLake Erie lieElgin andNorfolk Counties,Ontario, Canada (north).
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1820 | 7,382 | — | |
| 1830 | 14,584 | 97.6% | |
| 1840 | 23,724 | 62.7% | |
| 1850 | 28,767 | 21.3% | |
| 1860 | 31,814 | 10.6% | |
| 1870 | 32,517 | 2.2% | |
| 1880 | 37,139 | 14.2% | |
| 1890 | 43,655 | 17.5% | |
| 1900 | 51,448 | 17.9% | |
| 1910 | 59,547 | 15.7% | |
| 1920 | 65,545 | 10.1% | |
| 1930 | 68,631 | 4.7% | |
| 1940 | 68,674 | 0.1% | |
| 1950 | 78,695 | 14.6% | |
| 1960 | 93,067 | 18.3% | |
| 1970 | 98,237 | 5.6% | |
| 1980 | 104,215 | 6.1% | |
| 1990 | 99,821 | −4.2% | |
| 2000 | 102,728 | 2.9% | |
| 2010 | 101,497 | −1.2% | |
| 2020 | 97,574 | −3.9% | |
| 2024 (est.) | 96,906 | −0.7% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[24] 1790–1960[25] 1900–1990[26] 1990–2000[27] 2020[2][28][29] 2024[1] | |||
| Race / Ethnicity(NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 1980[30] | Pop 1990[31] | Pop 2000[32] | Pop 2010[33] | Pop 2020[34] | % 1980 | % 1990 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 99,438 | 94,579 | 95,484 | 92,126 | 84,064 | 95.42% | 94.75% | 92.95% | 90.77% | 86.15% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 3,015 | 3,099 | 3,165 | 3,467 | 3,492 | 2.89% | 3.10% | 3.08% | 3.42% | 3.58% |
| Native American orAlaska Native alone (NH) | 160 | 184 | 177 | 208 | 154 | 0.15% | 0.18% | 0.17% | 0.20% | 0.16% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 317 | 338 | 332 | 372 | 338 | 0.30% | 0.34% | 0.32% | 0.37% | 0.35% |
| Native Hawaiian orPacific Islander alone (NH) | x[35] | x[36] | 23 | 17 | 12 | x | x | 0.02% | 0.02% | 0.01% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 166 | 83 | 59 | 36 | 260 | 0.16% | 0.08% | 0.06% | 0.04% | 0.27% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | x[37] | x[38] | 1,196 | 1,830 | 4,765 | x | x | 1.16% | 1.80% | 4.88% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1,119 | 1,538 | 2,292 | 3,441 | 4,489 | 1.07% | 1.54% | 2.23% | 3.39% | 4.60% |
| Total | 104,215 | 99,821 | 102,728 | 101,497 | 97,574 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
As of the2010 United States census, there were 101,497 people, 39,363 households, and 26,495 families residing in the county.[39] The population density was 144.6 inhabitants per square mile (55.8/km2). There were 46,099 housing units at an average density of 65.7 units per square mile (25.4 units/km2).[40] The racial makeup of the county was 92.7% white, 3.5% black or African American, 0.4% Asian, 0.2% American Indian, 1.1% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 3.4% of the population.[39] In terms of ancestry, 24.9% were German, 15.8% were Irish, 12.6% were English, 11.1% were Italian, 10.0% wereAmerican, and 5.8% were Polish.[41]
Of the 39,363 households, 31.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.2% were married couples living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 32.7% were non-families, and 26.9% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.01. The median age was 41.0 years.[39]
The median income for a household in the county was $42,139 and the median income for a family was $50,227. Males had a median income of $40,879 versus $30,156 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,898. About 11.8% of families and 15.7% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 21.7% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over.[42]
As of thecensus[43] of 2000, there were 102,728 people, 39,397 households, and 27,774 families residing in the county. The population density was 146 inhabitants per square mile (56/km2). There were 43,792 housing units at an average density of 62 units per square mile (24/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 94.07%White, 3.16%Black orAfrican American, 0.19%Native American, 0.34%Asian, 0.02%Pacific Islander, 0.85% fromother races, and 1.36% from two or more races. 2.23% of the population wereHispanic orLatino of any race. 19.3% were ofGerman, 11.6%Italian, 10.6%English, 10.5%Irish, and 10.3%American ancestry according toCensus 2000. 95.2% spokeEnglish, 2.4%Spanish, and 0.8%German as their first language.[44]
There were 39,397 households, out of which 32.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.80% weremarried couples living together, 11.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.50% were non-families. 24.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.05.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.20% under the age of 18, 7.60% from 18 to 24, 28.00% from 25 to 44, 23.60% from 45 to 64, and 14.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 95.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.10 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $35,607, and the median income for a family was $42,449. Males had a median income of $33,105 versus $22,624 for females. Theper capita income for the county was $16,814. About 9.20% of families and 12.10% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 17.10% of those under age 18 and 8.60% of those age 65 or over.
According to the accompanying table, Ashtabula County voted for the Democratic candidate for president in every election between 1988 and 2012. Prior to that, however, no fewer than 19 Republican candidates won the county with greater than 61% of the vote.
In 2016, RepublicanDonald Trump carried the county with 56.6%. The county swung 32 percentage points from 2012 to 2016.
In 2020, Trump increased this to 60.8%. In 2024, Trump won 63.5% of the vote, the highest for a Republican since 1956.
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2024 | 27,656 | 63.47% | 15,345 | 35.22% | 574 | 1.32% |
| 2020 | 26,890 | 60.79% | 16,497 | 37.29% | 850 | 1.92% |
| 2016 | 23,318 | 56.62% | 15,577 | 37.83% | 2,285 | 5.55% |
| 2012 | 18,298 | 42.36% | 23,803 | 55.10% | 1,099 | 2.54% |
| 2008 | 18,949 | 42.04% | 25,027 | 55.52% | 1,100 | 2.44% |
| 2004 | 21,038 | 46.33% | 24,060 | 52.99% | 309 | 0.68% |
| 2000 | 17,940 | 45.45% | 19,831 | 50.24% | 1,701 | 4.31% |
| 1996 | 13,287 | 34.31% | 19,341 | 49.95% | 6,094 | 15.74% |
| 1992 | 13,254 | 30.80% | 18,843 | 43.79% | 10,931 | 25.40% |
| 1988 | 17,654 | 45.79% | 20,536 | 53.26% | 366 | 0.95% |
| 1984 | 21,669 | 52.34% | 19,344 | 46.73% | 384 | 0.93% |
| 1980 | 19,847 | 49.04% | 17,363 | 42.91% | 3,257 | 8.05% |
| 1976 | 16,885 | 43.72% | 20,883 | 54.07% | 857 | 2.22% |
| 1972 | 22,762 | 58.96% | 15,052 | 38.99% | 794 | 2.06% |
| 1968 | 17,058 | 46.66% | 16,738 | 45.79% | 2,759 | 7.55% |
| 1964 | 13,183 | 35.36% | 24,104 | 64.64% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1960 | 22,406 | 53.91% | 19,155 | 46.09% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1956 | 24,165 | 64.68% | 13,195 | 35.32% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1952 | 23,185 | 61.24% | 14,676 | 38.76% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1948 | 15,389 | 54.33% | 12,560 | 44.34% | 377 | 1.33% |
| 1944 | 17,181 | 56.33% | 13,319 | 43.67% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1940 | 18,491 | 56.13% | 14,454 | 43.87% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1936 | 14,025 | 46.73% | 14,468 | 48.21% | 1,517 | 5.05% |
| 1932 | 15,644 | 55.31% | 11,386 | 40.26% | 1,252 | 4.43% |
| 1928 | 18,870 | 75.13% | 5,951 | 23.69% | 297 | 1.18% |
| 1924 | 14,767 | 69.21% | 2,135 | 10.01% | 4,435 | 20.79% |
| 1920 | 14,099 | 69.70% | 5,413 | 26.76% | 717 | 3.54% |
| 1916 | 6,608 | 52.34% | 5,306 | 42.02% | 712 | 5.64% |
| 1912 | 2,214 | 17.99% | 3,181 | 25.84% | 6,913 | 56.17% |
| 1908 | 8,213 | 63.32% | 3,572 | 27.54% | 1,185 | 9.14% |
| 1904 | 8,906 | 75.89% | 1,647 | 14.03% | 1,182 | 10.07% |
| 1900 | 9,272 | 70.70% | 3,438 | 26.21% | 405 | 3.09% |
| 1896 | 8,557 | 67.70% | 3,840 | 30.38% | 242 | 1.91% |
| 1892 | 6,419 | 63.57% | 2,769 | 27.42% | 910 | 9.01% |
| 1888 | 7,164 | 67.39% | 2,675 | 25.16% | 792 | 7.45% |
| 1884 | 7,269 | 69.41% | 2,643 | 25.24% | 560 | 5.35% |
| 1880 | 6,926 | 72.88% | 2,286 | 24.06% | 291 | 3.06% |
| 1876 | 6,771 | 74.31% | 2,294 | 25.18% | 47 | 0.52% |
| 1872 | 5,764 | 76.96% | 1,678 | 22.40% | 48 | 0.64% |
| 1868 | 6,108 | 81.35% | 1,400 | 18.65% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1864 | 6,045 | 85.30% | 1,042 | 14.70% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1860 | 5,566 | 81.15% | 860 | 12.54% | 433 | 6.31% |
| 1856 | 5,108 | 80.63% | 975 | 15.39% | 252 | 3.98% |
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2024 | 24,117 | 56.50% | 16,785 | 39.33% | 1,780 | 4.17% |
Ashtabula County (along with neighboringLake County) fostered a very large Finnish American community around the turn of the twentieth century, and as a result, the area is home to manyFinnish Americans.
Ashtabula County has eighteen extantcovered bridges. Of these, nine were constructed prior to 1900. SeeList of Ashtabula County covered bridges.
Media from Commons
Travel information from WikivoyagePlaces adjacent to Ashtabula County, Ohio | |
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Municipalities and communities ofAshtabula County, Ohio,United States | ||
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| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |
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