orrow County was founded February 24, 1848. At that time Jeremiah Morrow was the ninth governor of Ohio. He also served in the U.S. Senate and was a member of the House of Representatives at the time the county was formed. It was formed from parts of Delaware, Knox, Marion, and Richland Counties.

Mount Gilead was platted in 1824 under the name of Whetsom, but changed to its present biblical name in 1832 and became the county seat. The discovery of oil in this area brought active business to Mount Gilead, especially after the construction of Route 42, which connects this section of the state with Lake Erie ports.

In the center of Mount Gilead is the Monument (The Victory Shaft), dedicated to the citizens of Morrow County, by the U.S. Government for the highest sales per capita in the state, of World War I War Bonds and stamps in 1919. The reported sales were 727,070, or an average of 43:15 for every man, woman, and child in the County, which totaled 16,800 at that time. The number 1848 in the flag depicts the founding year of Morrow County. The Flag, chosen in a countywide contest, was first flown at the 132nd Ohio State Fair in August of 1885.

Within walking distance is Main Street where you can find a number of gift shops, antique stores and restaurants. The Sames & Cook Coffee House named after a turn of the century hardware store believed to have been located in the same location on South Main Street. The shop features Antiques & Gifts and was opened in the Fall of 2005. You can enjoy a cup of coffee, hot cocoa or tea at the antique coffee bar and browse antiques in the store. While you’re in the vicinity, you can visit the other antique store, “The This and That” shop. Cindy’s Cakery offers a delicious selection of cakes and cookies for a mid day snack or soup and sandwiches for lunch. The Capital Theater on W. High Street features first run movies for a fraction of the price. Enjoy the show in a quaint theater for $3 for a matinee or $4 for an evening show.

Enjoy the unique architecture of the area. Two prime examples of classic architecture include the Morrow County Courthouse and the Jail. Both are listed on the National Register of Historical Places. The Courthouse, first occupied in 1852, was the first courthouse in Morrow County. It still stands today and serves its original role as county courthouse. The original Greek Revival structure was designed by David Ault, a prominent area builder. However, the building was extensively remodeled in the 1890’s to give the building a hybrid Greek Revival-Richardsonian Romanesque appearance. The building has been remodeled further over the years by adding a Neoclassical-style addition to the rear of the previous extension and moving some of the interior court rooms.

The Old Morrow County Jail was first occupied in January of 1884 is an example of Second Empire architecture. Until 1972 this building functioned as the county’s jail where the sheriff and his family resided in living quarters provided in the front of the jail. Presently the jail occupies another location and this building is used for the Prosecutor’s Offices. The Veteran’s Memorial Park will be located in the green area between the courthouse and the old jail and will face East High Street.