About Van Wert County

bicentennial

Brief History
On February 12, 1820, the Ohio government authorized the creation of Van Wert County. Residents named the county in honor of Isaac Van Wert, a hero of the American Revolution. Van Wert helped capture Benedict Arnold, the most notorious traitor in American history.

Van Wert County is located in the northwestern part of Ohio. Its western border helps form the boundary between Ohio and Indiana.
As of 2010, Van Wert has an approximate population of 28,744 people and just over one percent of the county's 410 square miles are deemed to be urban.

Most of Van Wert County's residents find employment in agricultural positions, with ninety percent of the county's acreage under cultivation.
The county ranks ninth in the state in soybean production. Manufacturing, retail, and service positions finish second, third, and fourth respectively.

Most voters in Van Wert County claim to be independents, yet in recent years, they have overwhelmingly supported Republican Party candidates at the national level.

Van Wert is home to the Brumback Library. Founded in 1890, the Brumback Library is the first county-wide public library to exist in the United States.