Mansfield, Ohio

Mansfield, Ohio

Mansfield (On the Highway since 1913) Pop: 51,600. County seat.

Early settlers came to this area because of the streams that provided water amidst the dense forest. Mansfield was founded in 1808 and became the Richland County seat in 1809. The city was named for Surveyor General of the United States, Col. Jared Mansfield. Mansfield was primarily agricultural prior to the coming of the railroads in 1846. Then the city's farm equipment and stove manufacturing industries ushered in Mansfield's greatest period of industrial expansion. Eclipse Stove (later called the Tappan Company) was started in 1889. In the late 1920's, Westinghouse was the City's largest employer, specializing in electric lighting and home appliances.

In Mansfield's early days, the Lincoln Highway ran along West Fourth St. Businesses along Park Avenue used to change the route signs to get travelers to pass their shops instead. Finally in 1928, the route was moved to pass through the center of town. There is a replica LH concrete post on Park Avenue East near the court house.

Famous Mansfield natives include Senator John Sherman; Louis Bromfield, Pulitzer Prize winning author & conservationist; John "Appleseed" Chapman planted apple trees here; and Frank Lahm, a military pilot who learned to fly with the Wright Brothers.

The Mansfield Blockhouse was built during the War of 1812 for protection from Indian attacks.
Oak Hill Cottage (built in 1847) is considered to be the finest Gothic Revival style house in the US. Louis Bromfield played here as a child and later wrote about it in his book "Shane's Castle". 310 Springmill St. (419) 524-1765.
The Ohio State Reformatory (built in 1886) closed in 1990 as a prison. Since that time it has been used in the filming of Shawshank Redemption and Air Force One and is open for tours. 100 Reformatory Rd. (419) 522-2644
Kingwood Center was the home of Charles Kelly King, see both the mansion (built in 1926) and the gardens. Kingwood Center, 900 Park Ave. West, (419) 522-0211
City Mills Building (1864)
Peter Bissman House (1885)
Soldiers & Sailors Building (1888)
The Renaissance Theatre (1928) 138 Park Avenue West (419) -522-2726 Box Office Hours: M-F 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Administrative Office Hours: M-F 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
St. Peter's Catholic Church (1911). 54 South Mulberry,
The Mansfield Art Center. Tues-Sat 11am-5pm; Sun 12 noon-5pm; Closed major holidays. 700 Marion Avenue, (419) 756-1700
Mansfield Memorial Museum
Ohio Genealogical Society Headquarters and Library. Tues-Sat 9am-5pm. Admission: $4.00 for non-members. 713 South Main St. (419) 756-7294
Bible Walk. Ohio’s only life size wax museum. 500 Tingley Avenue (419) 524-0139
Carrousel Park, 4th and Main.
Oak Park Tavern, 2919 State Route 430, (419) 589-2637
Skyway East. 2461 Emma Lane (US 30 at Reed Rd Exit) (419) 589-9929. Steak , Seafood , Fine Dining. 5:00-9:30pm, Closed Sundays except holidays
KC's Walnut Restaurant & Lounge, 111 N. Walnut St., (419) 522-5622, Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat-Sun 10am-10pm
Coney Island Diner (since 1936), 98 N Main St. (419) 526-2669
Richland County offers 1500 lodging rooms with a great variety including full service hotels, quaint Bed & Breakfasts and campgrounds.
The Johnny Appleseed Outdoor Drama is a new and exciting addition to the area.
The Mansfield Playhouse
Mansfield Motorsports Speedway North of US 30 on state route 5454. (419) 525-RACE
Visit the Richland Carrousel District for galleries and unique shops including the Squirrel's Den where they make their own chocolate.
B&O Bike Trail runs 18.2 miles on the former Baltimore & Ohio Railway through scenic parts of North Central Ohio and connects Mansfield, Lexington, Bellville, and Butler.