The early settlement of Waterville, Ohio was done by the pioneers who came to the area shortly after the Battle of Fallen Timbers. Waterville was located along the river, in a prime location between Grand Rapids and Toledo. Once the Indians had been driven from the area, it became a safe place for pioneers to settle. Waterville was settled in 1818, but it wasn't until 1830 that a man named John Pray laid out the village of Waterville. The village of Waterville was not incorporated until 1880.
             When the canal age erupted in the 1830's, Waterville became a stop along the Wabash and Erie canals. Many assumed that the construction of the canal would be a boon to Waterville's business and population. But there were many other factors that influenced Waterville's early history just as much or more than the canal. When the village was first occupied, mills were the main type of business. Plus, there were countless other areas of revenue in town that helped to bring the population numbers up and put Waterville on the map, such as the Columbian House inn, famous in Waterville lore.
             Research into available sources proves that although the canal did have considerable influence on early Waterville, other factors such as the mills and the Columbian House were just as influential, if not more so. Also, being on the river made Waterville appealing to outsiders. Evidence to support this will indicate the population numbers both before and after the canal's construction. Evidence also indicates the revenue of businesses along with their sheer number, before and after the canal. Research will also show that the canal did not quite live up to the expectations of the people who built the canal. Finally, research will show that railroads were also extremely important in Waterville's later economic years.
             When the canal was built in the 1830's, it altered the pattern of development in the village. The business d...