Van Wert City

The city of Van Wert, Ohio, traces its origins to February 12, 1820, when the county itself was authorized and named in honor of Isaac Van Wart, a hero of the American Revolutionary War known for capturing British spy Major John André (though a clerical error permanently changed the spelling to "Van Wert"). The town's site, originally part of the heavily forested and swampy Great Black Swamp, was formally surveyed in 1824 and officially laid out in 1834 as the new county seat. Its growth was slow until the Miami-Erie Canal opened in 1845 and the Pennsylvania Railroad arrived in 1853, transforming the area from a timber source into fertile agricultural land, which remains a key industry today. Van Wert is also famous for establishing the Brumback Library in 1901, which holds the historical distinction of being the first county-wide public library in the United States. Additionally, the town was once known as the "Peony Capital of the World," a heritage celebrated since the first Peony Festival in 1902. Its history also includes resilience, notably rebuilding after the 1913 Great Flood and recovering from an F4 tornado in 2002.

A wide range of recreational and cultural activities makes Van Wert, Ohio, an excellent city for family fun. During warmer months, families flock to YMCA Camp Clay, which features an Aqua Park and Splash Pad with seven inflatable water attractions, offering a perfect way to cool off. For outdoor park exploration, Smiley Park is home to the nationally recognized Children's Garden and Butterfly House, providing a beautiful and educational experience, while the new Franklin Park offers age-appropriate playgrounds, a skate park, a basketball court, and a popular, free splash pad. For those who prefer indoor activities, the Brumback Library, America's first county-wide public library (established in 1901), hosts reading programs, and the Wassenberg Art Center offers art classes and admission-free exhibits throughout the year. Additionally, entertainment is abundant at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center and the Van Wert Civic Theatre, which both stage a variety of family-friendly shows and live performances, complemented by annual community events like the Van Wert County Fair.