The History of Berlin, Ohio Berlin, Ohio stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of early American settlers and the Amish community that would later make this region famous. While the town's name might evoke thoughts of its German counterpart, this quiet village has its own unique story to tell. In fact, Berlin is the oldest existing village in Holmes County. A Name with Two Histories The settlement of Berlin began in the early 1800s, when hardy pioneers first carved their way into what was then the northwestern frontier of the young United States. John Swigert (from Berlin, Germany) and Joseph Troyer (from Berlin, Pennsylvania) were both integral players in the creation of the town. The town was officially established in 1816, taking its name from both Berlins. The original design included 108 lots spread over two streets. A majority of the earliest residents came to Berlin from Pennsylvania but were of German or Swiss descent. The Amish Influence The arrival of the Amish in the mid-1800s marked a significant turning point in Berlin's history. These industrious farmers, seeking religious freedom and fertile land, found both in abundance in Holmes County. The Amish brought with them not only their distinctive culture and agricultural expertise but also their own traditions of courtship and marriage, which continue to fascinate visitors to this day. A Rise in Importance For many years, Benton was the most important commercial center in Holmes County. Two important developments helped Berlin surpass its neighbor five miles to the northwest. The first development was the completion of the National Road. The major highway connected the Potomac and the Ohio Rivers. Around the same time, wagon access to Zanesville was improved with enhancements to Zane’s Trace. Berlin saw a period of exponential growth as a business center. The village was the proud home of machine shops, a foundry, dry goods stores, hotels, tailor shops, blacksmith shops, a tannery, and distilleries. The second big development was a thresher factory. Berlin holds the distinction of having the first real factory in Holmes County. Built in 1847, the factory brought jobs and increased Berlin’s economic foothold in the county. A Prominent Family The Pomerene Family is one of the most notable families in Berlin history. Dr. Peter P. Pomerene was born in Holmes County and moved in Berlin in 1855 to practice medicine. Dr. Pomerene was married twice and had 12 children. Four of his sons became doctors and two became attorneys. The most famous of his children was Atlee. Born in 1863, Atlee attended Princeton University and then Cincinnati Law School. He served as U.S. Senator and assisted in the creation of the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Reserve System. In 1928, Atlee was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for president. The Pomerene House stood as a beacon in Main Street in Berlin until it was torn down in 2021. The Oldest Restaurant Visitors and locals can still partake in a meal at the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Berlin, Ohio. Boyd and Wurthmann has been open since 1938. It started as a grocery store but the demand for home-cooked meals and community kept growing. Within two years of opening, the green counter (which still stands today) was built so locals could enjoy lunch and pie. Boyd and Wurthmann is now open six days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When you go, be sure to save room for dessert. There are 15 to 20 different pie options available each day. Berlin Today Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of Berlin's history is how it managed to preserve its small-town charm while adapting to changing times. The arrival of electricity in the early 1900s brought modern conveniences, but the town retained its connection to simpler ways of life, largely due to the influence of its Amish population. Today, Berlin has approximately 1,500 residents yet it stands as one of Ohio's most visited small towns, drawing thousands of tourists annually. Holmes County, Ohio sees four million tourists each year. The town center, with its mixture of traditional architecture and modern amenities, tells the story of a community that has managed to embrace change while holding onto its core values and traditions. The romance of Berlin's history continues in its present-day charm. Local bed and breakfasts housed in historic buildings attract couples seeking to experience the town's nostalgic atmosphere. The clip-clop of horse-drawn buggies, the aroma of fresh-baked goods wafting from local bakeries, and the sight of rolling farmland create an atmosphere that seems drawn from a simpler, more romantic era. As Berlin moves forward into the 21st century, it remains a unique testament to the enduring appeal of small-town America. Its history, woven with threads of pioneer spirit, cultural preservation, and quiet romance, continues to captivate visitors and residents alike, making it much more than just another dot on the Ohio map.