Welcome to the Findlay-Hancock County region of northwestern Ohio! Situated on the banks of the Blanchard River, Findlay is the county seat of beautiful Hancock County. Altogether, Hancock County is composed of 11 villages, including Arcadia, Arlington, Benton Ridge, Findlay, Jenera, McComb, Mount Blanchard, Mount Cory, Rawson, Van Buren and Vanlue. We are proud of our region of more than 74,000, which boasts a rich history and heritage that span almost 200 years.
Findlay was named after Colonel James Findlay of Cincinnati, who built Fort Findlay in the War of 1812. After the war, the community was born and the first town lots were laid in 1821. Findlay later became known as a booming center for natural resources like gas and oil. For its part, Hancock County was named for American Revolution Patriot and statesman John Hancock, the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence.
By 1968, Findlay became known as a place passionate about patriotism, thanks to the initial efforts of Findlay resident John B. Cooke, a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. Patriotic to the core, Cooke believed in the value of flying the American flag. He rallied neighborhood residents and businesses to display a flag on Flag Day, June 14, 1968. Ultimately, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution declaring that Findlay was indeed Flag City, USA.
Over the years, Findlay and Hancock County have become hubs for numerous corporations and innovations. Findlay is the headquarters of Marathon Petroleum Corp., MPLX LP, Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, Blanchard Valley Health System, and Whirlpool Corporation’s dishwasher manufacturing plant is notably the largest dishwasher plant in the world.
For the fourth year in a row, Findlay has the distinction of being ranked the top micropolitan community in the U.S. for new and expanding facilities by Site Selection magazine. Strengthening our international ties, Findlay recently announced a Friendship City agreement with the Japanese city Kawaguchi. In addition to these milestones, Findlay has also been named one of Ohio Magazine’s Best Hometowns of 2018-2019.
When you come to Findlay-Hancock County, expect to be greeted by people with big smiles and even bigger hearts. There is room to raise a family, grow a business and find your life’s passion here. The educational system is strong, offering students of all ages room to learn and grow. Nightlife is vibrant. Festival seasons are nonstop and never ending. There are numerous parks for family gatherings and youthful energy. The Blanchard River offers boating, fishing and other water sports, and there are plenty of neighborhood shops, theaters, museums and restaurants to explore.
We are hopeful that when you enter the Findlay-Hancock County area, there will be no doubt that you have arrived exactly where you belong – right here, at home. Welcome!