Located along Historic Lincoln Highway, the City of Van Wert was established in 1835 as the vision of three men for 240 acres on the edge of the Great Black Swamp. Named after Revolutionary War Hero Isaac Van Wart, early philanthropy and community vision are evident in Van Wert’s historic buildings. J.S. Brumback used his wealth to build the first public county library in the United States in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. City co-founder George Marsh built the YWCA, YMCA and the county’s first modern hospital. At his death he left his homestead and funds to develop the Marsh Foundation School which still operates today. With a population of just 11,000, agriculture and industry are still big factors in Van Wert’s growth and daily culture. Once known as the Peony Capital of the World, Van Wert honors this title again with the Peony Festival held each June, a tradition originating to 1902.

Main Street Van Wert

Concerned business and community leaders began a Downtown Development Association to preserve the history of Van Wert’s downtown district and promote its continued redevelopment. Today, Main Street Van Wert, Inc. strives to serve the community by stimulation economic growth while preserving the rich historic buildings and promoting Downtown Van Wert as a great place to shop, visit, work and live.

Address
136 East Main Street, Van Wert, Ohio 45891
419.238.6911

Executive Director
Adam A. Ries, Interim Program Manager
vwdowntown@embarqmail.com