In 1804, the elected officials of a township consisted of three trustees, a clerk, two overseers of the poor, and a sufficient number of highway supervisors – in addition to justices of the peace and constables. Within each of the Ohio land grants, Congress set aside sections of land for the use of schools and the support of religious institutions.Īs the Ohio territory became populated, it was only natural that the surveyed townships should become the basic unit of local government. The Congressional Acts determined the townships' size and shape, which established the various land grants. In Ohio, the township predates our state government. Today, it is found in 20 states, known as the town or township. This unit of local government eventually spread as far west as the Rocky Mountains. The Pilgrim fathers brought the township form of government to America in 1620. Once viewed as a 'temporary government,' townships today are key players in Ohio's governmental system.Ģ023 Ohio Township Day Toolkit How Townships Began Townships uniquely balance small community living and the preservation of farmland and Ohio's agricultural industry with infrastructure advancements and economic development. Townships have not only survived the test of time – they have thrived. As the first county in Ohio to form a county association, Ashland County led the effort to establish the statewide association. The idea for a statewide township recognition day originated in the very county where the OTA originated. The idea of a Township Day was brought to the Ohio Township Association by a trustee in Ashland County, who felt a day should be set aside to recognize the hard work and dedication of township trustees and fiscal officers, promote grassroots government, and encourage township officials to visit schools to explain township government and requirements necessary to serve as a township official.

The year 1999 marked the first Ohio Township Day. House Bill 652, enacted in 1998, designated February 1 as Ohio Township Day. Two sentences in the Ohio Revised Code forever changed what Feb. VIEW THE OHIO TOWNSHIPS MAP AND TOWNSHIP WEBSITES 'Ohio's Townships: Spending, Taxing & Borrowing Less'

Township and range map