About the Village of Minerva
Minerva is an Ohio village in Carroll, Columbiana and Stark Counties, nestled on the historic Lincoln Highway (US Route 30) within a short drive of the cities of Akron, Canton, Youngstown and Cleveland. The village has a total area of 2.23 square miles.
Fast Facts
With a population of just under 4,000, Minerva is a small town steeped in history and quiet charm. With many parks and recreation areas within the village limits, it is also conveniently close to nearby cities, transportation, shopping and entertainment. Close to home are downtown activities and festivals for all ages. Minerva possesses the rare characteristic of being part of three Ohio counties: Stark, Carroll and Columbiana.
The village government is comprised of various departments, including safety and emergency services, codified ordinances, court, community, and planning and zoning. It also houses school, fire and police departments, and services related to parks and recreation. Additionally, the village hall has a public works department that provides, operates and maintains utilities and infrastructural systems.
History
The Village of Minerva originated when surveyor John Whitacre purchased 123 acres of land from Isaac Craig in 1818 for the construction of a log mill. The town, named for Whitacre’s niece, Minerva Ann Taylor born April 19, 1833, grew up around the mill.
The community grew. The first schoolhouse was built in 1846. The Sandy and Beaver Canal helped the community’s industry thrive, then later, the Pennsylvania railroad. In fact,
Minerva manufacturers Willard and Isaac Pennock patented the United States’ first steel railroad car in the nineteenth century.
Situated on the historic Lincoln Highway (U.S. 30) the quaint village was part of the first transcontinental highway for automobiles across the United States.