WCCVB Visitors Guide 22

Wayne County History
Wayne County, Ohio, named for famed Revolutionary War
Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, was organized largely
within its present borders in 1812. The county was carved
out of the huge Wayne County in the Northwest Territory
which originally took in parts of Ohio and several other
states. Wooster, the county seat since 1808, was established
by John Bever, William Henry, and Joseph Larwill, and named
after General David Wooster, another Revolutionary War
hero. Today, Wayne County is the 13th largest county in Ohio,
covering more than 550 square miles.
Wayne County’s rich soil and plentiful water supply have
continuously supported a strong agricultural community.
Farms and roadside produce stands are still present and
thriving in the county today. Wayne County is home to
many world-renowned businesses such as The Wooster
Brush Company, ArtiFlex, Schaeffler Group USA Inc. and
The J.M. Smucker Company.
The Lincoln Highway Historic Byway runs through Wayne
County. Designated by red, white and blue signs, this route
follows the original 241 mile Ohio 1928 alignment that
stretched from New York City westward to San Francisco.
Charles Follis: The First African American
Professional Football Player
Charles Follis will come to life, for future generations of
sports and history fans, with the creation of the“Charles
Follis Trail,” open now in Wayne and Richland counties. The
trail highlights important locations and milestones of Charles
Follis’ fast and furious
decade, from his time as
a standout football player
at Wooster High School,
through his professional
career with the Shelby Blues.
Scan the QR code or visit
www.blackcyclone.org
for details of the trail.
4 1.800.362.6474 | www.wccvb.com