Visiting Tiffin, OH

Tiffin History

Tiffin is named after Edward Tiffin, the first governor of Ohio, and grew up around the original Fort Ball site. It is the county seat of Seneca County.

Tiffin has long been known for its history and architecture. St Paul’s United Methodist Church in Tiffin is the first public building in the world to be wired for electricity during its construction in 1884. Thomas Edison heard about the builder’s daring, forward thinking and presented them with a beautiful brass chandelier which lights the church today.

The city of Tiffin was the first in Ohio to have an electric power plant and only the third in the country. At one time Tiffin was noted as a glass and porcelain manufacturing center. Today, Tiffin glass is a favorite of collectors and is displayed in Tiffin’s Glass Museum, glass shows and fine homes across the country.

About Tiffin

Tiffin is located between Toledo, Cleveland and Columbus, accessed by major highways from all directions and surrounded by rural communities. The city has a total area of 6.6 miles with the scenic Sandusky River flowing through the center of town. The Seneca County Airport is just at the edge of town. Amtrack and four major airports are well within driving distance. The city is served by cabs as well as a senior and national bus line.

Tiffin’s population was 17,828 as of the 2012. Tiffin is often referred to as “The Education Community” with two universities and numerous trade, technical and vocational schools. It is also served by city schools, a charter and a Roman Catholic high school. Weekday Religious Education has been offered to the city’s elementary and middle schools since 1940.

Tiffin supports its many city parks, county museum, library, county fair, festivals, home and garden tours, concerts, parades and much more. It is home to a shopping center, mall and downtown businesses, industrial park and a flea market. Numerous sports, cultural and social events are held every week in Tiffin.

The Tiffin Community