Elyria, OH

Elyria is a city located in Lorain County, Ohio, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 43,919. Elyria is the county seat of Lorain County and home to Oberlin College.

The city was founded in 1811 by General Moses Cleaveland on land that he purchased from the local Native American tribes. The first settler in Elyria was Ebenezer Fenton, who arrived in 1812. The city quickly grew as a center for trade and commerce due to its location on the Great Lakes Erie and Ontario. In 1816, Elyria became one of the original townships in Lorain County when it was created out of portions of North Ridgeville Township and Westlake Township.

In 1832, Elyria became an incorporated village with a population of 1,500 people. In 1840, Elyria's first public school opened and by 1850 it had a population of 4,000 people. In 1870, Elyria annexed portions of North Ridgeville Township and East Liverpool Township which increased its population to 10,000 people.

In 1900, Elyria's population reached 20,000 people due to its growth as a center for manufacturing and industrial businesses such as automobiles and rubber products. By 1910 Elyria's population had reached 30,000 people due to its growth as a center for retail businesses such as department stores and restaurants.

During World War II there was significant growth in the city due to its proximity to factories that produced military equipment such as tanks and planes. After World War II there was continued growth in the city as it became known for its suburban lifestyle with large homes located near parks and lakeshores.

Today Elyria is still an active community with many businesses open including restaurants (including several national chains), retail stores (including several major department stores), medical facilities (including two hospitals), schools (including Oberlin College), churches (many denominations), civic organizations (including several chamberofcommercees)and more . The city has also made efforts to preserve its historical buildings including erecting historical markers throughout the downtown area .