|
Since pre-historic times, Indians (notably the Ottawa) were the
first to utilize the rich resources at the present site of
Maumee, Ohio, in the Maumee River Valley. Throughout much of
the eighteenth century, French, British and American forces
struggled for control of the lower Maumee River as a major
transportation artery linking East and West. A decisive
American victory over the British and their Indian allies at
the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794 (see Historic Landmarks
in the Recreation, Entertainment and Special Events section)
and the conclusion of the War of 1812 (see Fort Meigs in the
Recreation, Entertainment and Special Events section) opened
the way for American expansion and attracted Eastern
emigrants intent on making a fortune in western lands.
A town plat was laid out in 1817 at the Foot of the
Rapids of the Maumee River and within a decade, the
settlement was gaining recognition as a major trans-shipment
point connecting Lake Erie and the far west. The opening of
the Wabash and Erie Canal in 1840 further stimulated the
economy and led Jessup Scott, a noted town promoter, to
predict that Maumee would become the "great city of the
West," surpassing all rivals. By mid-century Maumee was
indeed a flourishing center of river trade, commerce and
shipbuilding. Nearly twenty mercantile establishments
crowded along the three miles of ship docks competing for
the retail and wholesale trade. Maumee was chosen as the
county seat in 1840 and jurists came from miles around to
practice in the imposing Greek Revival Lucas County
Courthouse erected by private subscription from local
citizens. The federal custom house and post office also were
located in Maumee.
Dreams of greatness began to fade in the 1850's as larger
ships too deep to navigate up river were introduced and the
railroad proved a faster and cheaper means of
transportation. Population expanded westward and Maumee lost
the county seat designation in 1854. A "gas boom"
in the 1880's was short lived and Maumee became, as one
observer noted, " a sleepy little town."
It would be nearly a century later; in the 1970's that
Maumee would experience a real economic renaissance. Today,
Maumee is home to one of the largest business centers in
Northwest Ohio. Together, Arrowhead Business Park and
Maumee's historic business community (a National Register
Historic District) contribute to the 30,000 plus jobs
located in the community. Over the years
Maumee's original boundaries have expanded and the
population has grown from the small group of promoters who
applied for a municipal charter in 1838 to over 15,000
residents. Although Maumee has experienced many changes, its
neighborhoods retain their small town ambiance and many of
the historic homes and buildings of the early residents sill
grace the tree lined streets of the architectural districts.
For more information about Maumee's history, please browse
the Historical Landmarks section under the Recreation,
Entertainment and Special Events link. |
