The history of Trumbull County is deeply intertwined with the story of the Connecticut Western Reserve, a vast tract of land that played a critical role in shaping the early development of northeastern Ohio.

Stretching westward from the Pennsylvania border, the Western Reserve included what is now 14 counties, and Trumbull County stood at the heart of this territory.

The Western Reserve traces its origins to colonial-era land claims by the state of Connecticut. In 1662, King Charles II granted Connecticut a charter that extended its borders across what would eventually become the Ohio Territory. After the Revolutionary War, despite disputes with neighboring states and the newly formed United States, Connecticut retained a strip of land in northeastern Ohio, reserving it for the future settlement of its citizens. This “New Connecticut,” or Western Reserve, covered more than 3 million acres.

In 1795, the state of Connecticut sold most of the Western Reserve to the Connecticut Land Company for $1.2 million. The land was purchased by a group of investors who saw potential in selling parcels to pioneers eager for new opportunities. These investors, including notable figures like Moses Cleaveland, financed the surveying and sale of the land, shaping much of the region’s future development.

Trumbull County was established in 1800 and was named after Jonathan Trumbull, the former governor of Connecticut. It encompassed most of the northeastern part of the Western Reserve at the time, gradually dividing into smaller counties as the population grew.

For the early settlers, many of whom were from Connecticut and other New England states, the Western Reserve offered fertile land and the promise of economic prosperity. The new residents brought New England customs, values and town structures, which would leave a lasting imprint on the region’s culture and governance. Townships were laid out in a grid system, echoing the pattern of New England communities, and the early settlers established schools, churches, and town squares, solidifying the area’s New England character.

Warren, now the county seat of Trumbull County, was one of the first towns to be established in the Western Reserve. Founded in 1798, Warren quickly became the region’s government and commerce center. Its strategic location at the intersection of important transportation routes allowed it to thrive as a hub for trade and legal affairs.

The connection between Trumbull County and Connecticut was more than just historical; it also shaped the region’s legal and administrative foundation. Early land transactions, disputes, and development efforts were handled through the framework established by the Connecticut Land Company. Many of the original property records from this time still exist and can be found in local and state archives, offering a glimpse into the complexities of settling this new frontier.

The Western Reserve also saw its share of challenges. While the land east of the Cuyahoga River, including Trumbull County, was ceded by Native American tribes through the Treaty of Greenville in 1795, tensions over land ownership persisted. The area’s early development was hampered by its relative isolation from the eastern U.S., with settlers having to navigate dense forests.

Despite these challenges, the Western Reserve blossomed into a vital part of Ohio’s economy and society. Trumbull County, as part of this historic land, played a key role in the development of the state. Its agricultural base, legal frameworks, and early educational institutions helped build the foundation for what would become a thriving region.