Sylvania History

Historical Plaque

River Centre Park, Sylvania

From Swampland to a Stellar City

It used to be swampland. But by 1833, Ohio and Michigan were preparing to go to war over it. They knew the area’s worth a long time ago. And a lot of very interesting things have happened since then.

From swampland to a stellar city, ours is a success story nearly 200 years long and well worth reading.

Early Sylvania

From Stone Academy to Pretty Boy Floyd, take a stroll down Main Street and through 100 years of Sylvania history. Go there now.

Great Black Swamp Frogs Base Ball Club

Recreating vintage matches, members of the Sylvania-based Great Black Swamp Frogs Base Ball Club dress in period uniforms and play according to Civil War era rules. Check out their schedule to see when they next take on the Sycamore Grasshoppers or the Canadian Woodstock (Ont.) Actives. Go there now.

Historical Village

Museum, railroad depot, log home, one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, gardens, classes, shops and more. Go there now.

Sylvania Area Historical Society

This group works toward the preservation and collection of materials and items concerned with the development, history and genealogy of Sylvania and its surrounding area.  Programs and meetings are held at the Sylvania Heritage Center, 5717 North Main St., where the office/archives are also located. New members and guests are always welcome.  It is the goal of the Sylvania Area Historical Society to work toward the preservation of the past so that present and future generations might have evidence of their great heritage, thus making the present more meaningful to all.  For information on upcoming events, please visit www.sylvaniahistory.org

Lathrop House Underground Railroad Station

Learn about one of Sylvania’s two “stations” on the Underground Railroad. Go there now.

Maumee Valley Heritage Corridor

The Heritage Corridor group is dedicated to increasing public awareness – and protection – of the historical, natural, cultural and recreational resources in the Maumee River watershed, principally in those counties adjacent to the Maumee River. Included among the Maumee Valley scenic byways is Ten Mile Creek, which meanders through some of the most picturesque areas of Sylvania. Find out more.

Town Crier

Who is Sylvania’s Official Town Crier and what does he do? Go there now.

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