Allen County

Allen County is an administrative region in northwestern Ohio containing residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, parks, and farmland. The county serves as a local government center providing services and infrastructure to its communities.

The county was established in 1831 and named after Colonel John Allen, a soldier who died during the War of 1812. The discovery of oil in Lima in 1885 transformed the region into a major petroleum production center for several decades.

The annual Allen County Fair brings people together each August to share agricultural exhibits, local crafts, and entertainment. It serves as a gathering place where residents celebrate their farming heritage and community traditions.

The county provides various public services through local offices located throughout the region. Visitors seeking specific services should check the location and hours of the appropriate county office.

The oil boom brought rapid growth to the area, but production declined after 1910, shaping the region's economic path for decades. Remnants of that industrial era can still be observed in the older buildings and infrastructure throughout the county.

Location: Ohio

Inception: March 1, 1831

Capital city: Lima

Shares border with: Putnam County, Hancock County, Hardin County, Auglaize County, Van Wert County

Website: http://co.allen.oh.us

GPS coordinates: 40.76667,-84.11667

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:04