Johnstown History

Johnstown, a village nestled in Licking County, Ohio, boasts a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Originally part of a land grant bestowed upon Revolutionary soldier John Brown, the village was established in 1810 by Dr. Oliver Bigelow.

The village has a population of approximately 5,278 residents (as of the 2022 census) and is renowned for its association with William A. Ashbrook, a prominent businessman, newspaper publisher, and Democratic politician.

An intriguing discovery unearthed in 1926 further solidified Johnstown’s place in history. The near-complete skeleton of a mastodon was found within the village limits, eventually finding its home at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. This remarkable find serves as a testament to the area’s ancient past and its role in uncovering the region’s natural history.

 

 

More Johnstown History here: Johnstown Stories