Remarkable Ohio

Counties

Below is a complete listing of all Ohio Historical Markers. To find a detailed marker listing including text, photographs, and locations, click on a county below. Our listing is updated by the markers program as new markers are installed and older markers are reported damaged or missing.

There are 2 markers with the same title in Champaign County. The other is 26-11.

27-11 Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad

Side A: Champaign County residents Joseph Vance (1786-1852) and John H. James (1800-1881) were among the Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad’s first officers, serving as president and treasurer, respectively. Vance emerged as a leader in the War of 1812 and, in the same year, was elected to public office. In 1836, Vance resigned as president of the railroad to become the twelfth governor of Ohio. Finances for the Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad were obtained in large measure through the efforts of Urbana resident John H. James, a prominent attorney, politician, and banker. As treasurer, James managed a grant of $200,000 provided by the state with the 1832 charter and other state loans of credit. James became president of the railroad in 1836, serving in a dual capacity of president and treasurer until 1842, when James Vance again became president.
Side B: Same
Sponsors: West Central Ohio Port Authority and The Ohio Historical Society
Address: Miami Street (US 36), 
Urbana, 
OH, 
43078
Location: Just E of WESTCO Bridge over Miami Street (US 36), E of Storms Avenue on N side of Miami St.
Latitude: 40.1084940
Longitude: -83.7577150