Donna Meyers Glyda, ABR

Perrysburg,OH Area Guide

Situated along the Maumee River, Perrysburg is a suburb of Toledo, almost 17,000 strong, and although it’s now a suburb, it was founded long before the now larger city of Toledo.With the opening of the Northwest Territory, settlers passed through the area, crossing the river upstream from Lake Erie, the ford at the Foot of the Rapids and continuing their trek north or west to settle in the United State’s newly acquired land.

Sitting on the northern rim of the Great Black Swamp, early transportation was restricted to the river and a town was founded there became the distribution center for goods in exchange for furs and dried meat. With the trade came the inevitable growth of Perrysburg and it became a major lake port as well as a shipbuilding mecca, second only to Cleveland and Buffalo in goods traded. Eventually, the swamp was slowly but surely drained and became a great source for huge forests of virgin timber, making way for millions of board feet of sawed lumber that were floated down river and on to other markets. That business would eventually slow, due to the need for deeper water ports, but Perrysburg adjusted, becoming a more agricultural market, surrounded by fertile farm land and eventually a suburb of Toledo.

Perrysburg’s 175 plus years of important regional architecture reflects the tradition of diversity and creativity of builders who brought their own creative vision to the area. Today, people enjoy the fact that they can have the small town life, away from the buzz of the big city, but still enjoy the perks of being part of a large metropolitan area.

With its access to Toledo’s amenities while maintaining a small town charm, residents and visitors alike appreciate the good life they can find in Perrysburg, with work close by and play almost at their front door. Come take a look and see what we have to offer, we know you’ll love it here!

To learn more visit: http://www.historicperrysburg.org/

History

In 1810, the first settlers, led by Amos Spafford, settled on the flats below the bluff, where, two years later, Fort Meigs would be built. Spafford exercised his pre-emptive rights and named two tracts Spafford Grant. It extended to Buttonwood Island and deep into the interior of the prairie/wood acreage. The Spaffords brought their four children and as the War of 1812 was waged around them, Fort Meigs was built, but the Spaffords fled the area while the war went on. When the war was finally over, settlers began to trickle back, to find their log homes and the schoolhouse they had built burned to the ground. While some were disheartened and left, other families moved into the empty block houses or rebuilt their homes and the town on the flats.

Although the little town never became a large shipping port because of the shoals and shallow water, it eventually began an agricultural area. Josiah Meigs wrote to Spafford, offering the chance to honor Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s victory over the superior British fleet in 1813 and Amos coined the named Perrysburg. Perrysburg also honors the young Commodore with a large bronze copy of the original statue in Cleveland.

Today, it thrives as a suburb to Toledo as well as a great place to live in its own right. Thanks to hard work and the pioneer spirit, Perrysburg has bloomed as a progressive, family friendly city on the Maumee River, making it a great place to live and work and put down roots. Visit us and you’ll receive a warm, hometown welcome, and wonder why you didn’t get here sooner!

To learn more, visit: http://www.ci.perrysburg.oh.us/HistoricPerrysburg/tabid/57/Default.aspx

Nearby Attractions & Activities

Fort Meigs Museum

Make your first stop the Visitor Center at Fort Meigs and explore the fort or shop the museum store for books and other unique gift items.

To learn more, visit:http://www.fortmeigs.org/museum.htm

Funny Bone Comedy Club and Dinner Theatre

The Funny Bone has been a launching pad for many familiar faces such as Drew Carey, Jerry Seinfeld, David Alan Grier just to name a few, so come on by and have a few laughs on them!

For more information please visit: http://www.funnybonefatfishtoledo.com/

For more great things to do in and around Perrysburg, visit: http://www.ci.perrysburg.oh.us/ServicesAZ/tabid/56/Default.aspx

Parks and Recreation

Ten city parks with another park in the planning process, grace Perrysburg, offering over 162 acres of green. Roam the park and play on soccer and baseball fields, or enjoy batting cages and walking paths as well as their picnic areas. Grab your bat or your ball, your book or your walking shoes and come join us!

To learn more, visit: http://www.ci.perrysburg.oh.us/CityDepartments/Parks/tabid/112/Default.aspx

Events Calendar

Proud of its history, Perrysburg always strives to enhance the lives of its residents. Festivals, City meetings and other events occur through the year that bring Perrysburg’s people together.

For a look at the complete calendar for Perrysburg, please visit: http://www.ci.perrysburg.oh.us/Calendar/tabid/72/Default.aspx