western reserve A feasibility study is under way to determine if 14 counties comprising northern Ohio should be designated a National Heritage Area. Some stories and themes and the sites that would

By Denise Dick

Overarching Theme, the Western Reserve is the nation’s town square.

Migration of those who came first including settlers from Connecticut and the East Coast. Examples include Loghurst in Canfield and Austin Log Cabin, Austintown.

Transportation connected the Western Reserve internally and to the world by canals, then railroads and beyond. Some examples are Steamship William E. Mather of Cleveland and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

Industry, the agricultural industry made this region prosperous, and smokestack industries led to our regional, national and international force. The Museum of Labor and Industry in Youngstown, Hopewell Furnace in Struthers and drinking fountains manufactured by Halsey Taylor of Warren are examples.

Land use and architecture, choices in land use started with the first Connecticut settlers with the unique methods of surveying that included town squares and architecture. Some examples are the Cleveland Public Square and Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron.

Education and social reform, those within the Western Reserve weren’t afraid to fight for their beliefs. The Harriet Taylor Upton House, Warren and the William H. McGuffey boyhood home site in Mahoning County are some illustrations of that.

Source: Western Reserve Heritage Area feasibility study brochure