About Mt. Blanchard
A small, proud village on the banks of the Blanchard River in Hancock County, Ohio — established 1830.
A Close-Knit Community
Mt. Blanchard is a small, welcoming village located at the junction of State Route 103 and State Route 37 in southern Hancock County, Ohio — 13 miles southeast of Findlay. The village sits above the Blanchard River valley, which is how it earned the title "Mount" Blanchard — sitting some 58 feet higher in elevation than Findlay.
With a population of 471 residents, Mt. Blanchard is a community that takes great pride in its small-town spirit, safety, and volunteerism. As Mayor Cynthia Morrison has said, "Mount Blanchard would not survive today if it weren't for the people who live here, the people who surround us, that volunteer."
History of Mt. Blanchard
From frontier settlement to proud Ohio village
The village and river take their name from Jean Jacques Blanchard, an early French pioneer who resided among the area Shawnee Indians from approximately 1770 to 1802. The elevated position of the settlement above the river valley gave rise to the "Mount" in the village name.
The village was founded in 1830 by Asa M. Lake, son of Asa Lake — a veteran of both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 and the first settler of Delaware Township. Asa Lake platted the first 53 lots in the village and died in Mt. Blanchard in 1841, and is buried in the local cemetery.
Among Mt. Blanchard's most colorful historical connections is Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman), who established a nursery on lots 51, 52, and 53 in 1834 — paying just $5 for the lots — and planted apple trees throughout the area during his legendary journeys across Ohio.
- 1770 – 1802
Jean Jacques Blanchard
French pioneer resides among area Shawnee Indians. Village and river named in his honor.
- 1830
Village Founded
Asa M. Lake founds the village on the banks of the Blanchard River and platts the first 53 lots.
- 1834
Johnny Appleseed Visits
John Chapman purchases three lots and establishes a nursery, planting apple trees in the village.
- 1865
Village Incorporated
Mt. Blanchard is officially incorporated as a village.
- 1868
First High School
Mt. Blanchard Union School becomes the first high school in Hancock County outside of Findlay.
- 1932
Island Park Donated
Mr. and Mrs. Dean Cunningham donate land for Island Park, which has been a source of community pride ever since.
- 1940s
Village Pool Opens
Island Park swimming pool opens — now the second-largest public pool in Hancock County.
Annual Events & Traditions
What makes Mt. Blanchard special
Held the first Saturday of December every year, Christmas in the Village is the highlight event of the year for Mt. Blanchard. The celebration includes horse rides, bingo, and a special visit from Santa Claus — drawing residents and visitors together for a magical small-town holiday experience.
August Heritage DayHeld the third Saturday of August, Heritage Day gives residents and visitors a chance to stroll back in time and celebrate the village's history, including a display of antique cars.
Open since the 1940s, the Island Park pool is one of the most beloved community institutions in Mt. Blanchard. The second-largest public pool in Hancock County, it opens late May through the end of August each year.
Veterans Memorial ParkMt. Blanchard honors its veterans with a dedicated memorial park where names are added each Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The community takes great pride in recognizing those who have served.