History
Founding
Lisbon, Ohio of Columbiana County was established by Baptist minister Lewis Kinney on February 16, 1803. It was named New Lisbon after Lisbon, Portugal. The name was changed on January 17, 1895 to drop the prefix “new.” This helped to establish the town as a modern staple in Ohio.
Historical Aspects
- There are currently 60 homes and buildings on the Ohio Historic Inventory in Lisbon. Lisbon is the second oldest town in the state of Ohio.
- The Old Stone House was built in 1805 originally being used as a hotel and tavern being a popular gathering spot for locals. Today it is used as the National Historical Society where history is on display.
- The first schoolhouse was built in 1805 with round logs and greased paper. Boards were fastened to the walls of the schoolhouse which served as desks and boys were required to sit on the opposite side of the room away from girls. David Wilson was the first teacher and David Anderson was the last teacher to teach in this building.
- The first Post Office in New Lisbon was established in 1809 with William Harbaugh as the Postmaster. The mail delivery was weekly as it came from Pittsburgh, PA by a man on horseback. From New Lisbon it traveled to Cleveland as well as Canton.
- Riverside Hospital was established in Lisbon, Ohio by Dr. Tom B. Marquis in 1900
- The drinking straw was invented in the 1980's by Lisbon locals H.J. Britton and H.W. Morrow. They were in business for 8 years before selling to a company in Washington, D.C. The first straws were made of chewing gum but due to expenses it was switched to white manilla paper.
- Although the Sandy & Beaver Canal is no longer in use, many of the previously used Locks are still standing. Lusk's Lock, being one of these, is able to be viewed from Beaver State Park located southeast of Lisbon.
Growth
In 1840 Lisbon had a population of only 1,800 residents and then grew to 2,900 residents in 2003. Similarly, in 2010 Lisbon only had an estimated population of 2,900 residents. Trends show that people are leaving Lisbon to move to bigger surrounding areas. Lisbon is not an established city like many surrounding areas, causing many residents to relocate for larger work opportunities.
Shifts in Industry
When first developed, Lisbon met the needs of farmers around the area. Gideon Hughes constructed a furnace in 1808, being the first iron furnace in the State of Ohio. As influenced by Pittsburgh, PA and Philadelphia, PA, Sandy & Beaver Canal was the last portion of the Ohio Canal System to be constructed in 1828 in order to increase business accessibility. In 1846, two flour mills, two iron foundries, two woolen factories as well as carriage and leather processing establishments existed in Lisbon. With the development of the Niles and New Lisbon railway in 1866 jobs were created and allowed families to grow. This railway allowed for easier commuter transportation as well as the movement of goods and textiles. This industrialization helped bring this small town to life and further its development. Then the operation of factories using the available clay, limestone and coal from the land surrounding Lisbon began. In 1873, the Thomas China Company, later known as R. Thomas and Sons Company was built increasing prosperity causing an expansion in housing across the town. This company manufactured porcelain which resulted in an increased business revenue across the town. Once R. Thomas and Sons began making the first high voltage porcelain insulators for utility companies worldwide in 1898, electric companies were able to increase transmission of electricity from 2,500 volts to 230,000 volts. Lisbon throughout the years has shifted from industrial to residential.
Norms
Johnny Appleseed Festival
Johnny Appleseed is the nickname of John Chapman who was born in Massachusetts in 1774. He started out working in carpentry and soon ended up in Pittsburgh, Ohio. His attire consisted of a burlap coffee bag and a saucepan which he wore on his head when it was raining. He set out on a journey where he wanted to plant apple trees and teach religion. His only belongings were apple seeds, an axe, a hoe and a bible. On his journey he met many people including several Indian tribes. He showed kindness by making children's toys and telling stories. He was often given gifts such as moccasins from the Indians he met along the way. He died at the age of 71 in Ft. Wayne, Indian. Each fall Lisbon, Ohio celebrates this notable man with The Johnny Appleseed Celebration. The Johnny Appleseed Celebration is to honor a great and selfless man who performed acts of kindness. Historians believe that John Chapman planted some of his first apple seeds in Columbiana County. This week long festival features everything "apple" and invites residents from all over to learn about the infamous John Chapman.
Johnny Appleseed is the nickname of John Chapman who was born in Massachusetts in 1774. He started out working in carpentry and soon ended up in Pittsburgh, Ohio. His attire consisted of a burlap coffee bag and a saucepan which he wore on his head when it was raining. He set out on a journey where he wanted to plant apple trees and teach religion. His only belongings were apple seeds, an axe, a hoe and a bible. On his journey he met many people including several Indian tribes. He showed kindness by making children's toys and telling stories. He was often given gifts such as moccasins from the Indians he met along the way. He died at the age of 71 in Ft. Wayne, Indian. Each fall Lisbon, Ohio celebrates this notable man with The Johnny Appleseed Celebration. The Johnny Appleseed Celebration is to honor a great and selfless man who performed acts of kindness. Historians believe that John Chapman planted some of his first apple seeds in Columbiana County. This week long festival features everything "apple" and invites residents from all over to learn about the infamous John Chapman.
Columbiana County Fair
The Columbiana County fair has been around since 1845. The grounds have been expanded over the years totaling about 90 acres. People would come from miles away to visit the fair. They would compete in competitions such as best one-horse and buggy, best quilt, finest saddle etc. The original half mile track remains which was one used to race horses where only males were allowed to compete. Original competitions even included ostrich races. The track is still used today as the fair is still one of the most popular in the state of Ohio. The famous track is now utilized for demolition derby’s and truck and tractor pulls. Stars such as Tanya Tucker, Dolly Parton and Tex Ritter are just some of the many celebrities to perform at the fair. Fair goers can enjoy rides such as the Ferris Wheel and Merry-Go-Round as well as food from local vendors. Each year the fair improves and continues to build on its history for future generations to enjoy. This fair has helped to build the town's community as well as generational ties and is a staple of Lisbon, Ohio.
The Columbiana County fair has been around since 1845. The grounds have been expanded over the years totaling about 90 acres. People would come from miles away to visit the fair. They would compete in competitions such as best one-horse and buggy, best quilt, finest saddle etc. The original half mile track remains which was one used to race horses where only males were allowed to compete. Original competitions even included ostrich races. The track is still used today as the fair is still one of the most popular in the state of Ohio. The famous track is now utilized for demolition derby’s and truck and tractor pulls. Stars such as Tanya Tucker, Dolly Parton and Tex Ritter are just some of the many celebrities to perform at the fair. Fair goers can enjoy rides such as the Ferris Wheel and Merry-Go-Round as well as food from local vendors. Each year the fair improves and continues to build on its history for future generations to enjoy. This fair has helped to build the town's community as well as generational ties and is a staple of Lisbon, Ohio.
Civil War Reenactment
Around the time of the Johnny Appleseed Festival, the citizens of Lisbon perform reenactments of the local occurrences during the Civil War. General John Morgan and his troops of the Confederates led the most northern penetration during the Civil War entering grounds just South of Lisbon in 1863. The Union soldiers facilitated the several "underground railroad" station throughout Lisbon where slaves were hidden during the day in violation of the federal law. With the help of locals they were transferred by the cover of night to Canada where they would celebrate their freedom.
Around the time of the Johnny Appleseed Festival, the citizens of Lisbon perform reenactments of the local occurrences during the Civil War. General John Morgan and his troops of the Confederates led the most northern penetration during the Civil War entering grounds just South of Lisbon in 1863. The Union soldiers facilitated the several "underground railroad" station throughout Lisbon where slaves were hidden during the day in violation of the federal law. With the help of locals they were transferred by the cover of night to Canada where they would celebrate their freedom.
Strengths
When driving through the Village, it is evident that Lisbon values the historical aspects of the community. Historic homes and buildings are labeled with plaques denoting the year of construction. Many locals actively partake in the many historical festivities throughout the year.
Picture Slideshow
References
http://www.oocities.org/heartland/prairie/6687/sandy.htm
http://history.rays-place.com/oh/col-lisbon.htm
http://www.columbianacountyfair.org/our_history.html
http://www.lisbonareachamber.com/jaf.php
Columbiana County Archives and Research Center
http://history.rays-place.com/oh/col-lisbon.htm
http://www.columbianacountyfair.org/our_history.html
http://www.lisbonareachamber.com/jaf.php
Columbiana County Archives and Research Center