Defiance County has a long history of change and growth. From 1820, when the Ohio Legislature converted ceded Indian lands into fourteen districts, to March 4, 1845, when the bill establishing the present day County became law, the people of Defiance County, both then and now, have always dealt with the many challenges of establishing boundaries and local government.
     Present day Defiance County is composed of twelve townships, Adams, Defiance, Delaware, Farmer,  Hicksville, Highland, Mark, Milford, Noble, Richland, Tiffin and Washington cover 412 square miles. There are three incorporated villages, Hicksville, Ney and Sherwood, and the City of Defiance. There are a number of unincorporated areas.
     Defiance County has always been a major transportation area. In 1845, a sophisticated canal  system was completed, connecting Defiance County with Toledo, Ohio, Cincinnati, Ohio and Fort Wayne, Indiana. Railroads later replaced the canals. Defiance County boasts over 1,000 miles of quality paved county, city, village, township and state roads.
     Today, Defiance County offers a variety of cultural opportunities from its large, enclosed shopping and strip malls to the many quaint  family-owned specialty shops. People come from all over the United States and Canada to enjoy the pleasant rural rolling farm land setting. From the rivers and waterways to the many church and community festivals, Defiance County offers a great family  environment for residents and  visitors alike.