History

History | Historical Photos

By proclamation of December 9, 1800, Governor St. Clair organized Fairfield County that encompassed all the land now known as Fairfield, Knox, Richland, and Licking counties. In 1807, Fairfield county was comprised of two townships: Granville Township and Licking Township. By act of legislature of 1808, these two townships retained the name of Licking County. This area is part of a 19,040 acre tract of land in Licking County. It was purchased in the early 1800's by the Scioto Land Company which later became the organization known as the Licking Land Company. Between 1800 and 1825 enough growth and development had come to the area to warrant the organization of Monroe, St. Albans, Harrison, Jersey and Libery townships.

Today the Johnstown area consists of the villages of Johnstown, Alexandria, Hartford and the townships of St. Albans, Bennington, Hartford, Liberty, Monroe and Jersey.

The Village of Johnstown is part of a four thousand acre tract of land deeded to John Brown, a revolutionary soldier, by President Adams for military services in 1800. Brown sold the property in 1810 for $2.50 per acre to Dr. Oliver Bigelow. Dr. Bigelow laid out and incorporated the village of Johnstown, donating the streets, alleys and the town square. The town square is still host to many visitors and residents, who stop to enjoy the gazebo, historic Township Hall, Opera House and friendly atmosphere.