What is the history of Geneva, Ohio?
‘The city of Geneva’ was formed from a part of Geneva Township, Ashtabula County, OhioGeneva Township, which was a part of Harpersfield Township until 1816. Geneva became its own township when a small group that lived just north of Harpersfield Village decided to withdraw from Harpersfield Township. At the suggestion of Levi Gaylord, they named their new community Geneva after Geneva, New York. With the completion of the Erie Canal in 1820, the introduction of steamboats, and an increase in shipping on Lake Erie, areas north of Harpersfield, especially near the lake, became more attractive for settlement. In Geneva’s early years, the south ridge (today transversed by Ohio Route 84) served as its main road. Geneva’s first frame school house was erected by its side in 1821. By 1829, Geneva had spread from the south ridge to the north ridge (today U.S. Highway 20), so in 1829 a post office was established on the north ridge for Geneva residents, who originally had to go to Harpersfield fo
