Early Settlement

Howland Township traces its origins to the late 18th century when settlers began to move into the Connecticut Western Reserve. Formally organized in 1812, the township was named after Joseph Howland, one of its earliest pioneers. Families carved farms from dense forests, cultivated the land, and built mills and shops that supported a thriving rural community. Schools and churches soon followed, laying the foundation for a close-knit township that valued hard work, faith, and family.

Growth and Change

Throughout the 1800s and into the early 1900s, Howland remained primarily agricultural. However, as nearby Warren grew into an industrial hub, Howland began to shift. Farming families increasingly found employment in steel, manufacturing, and commerce, balancing rural traditions with new opportunities. After World War II, suburban development transformed the township. Farmland gave way to neighborhoods, schools, and small businesses, reshaping Howland into a residential community while preserving its historic roots.

Governance and Community Services

Township government in Ohio is structured by the Ohio Revised Code (ORC), which continues to guide Howland’s operations today:

• ORC 505 — Establishes the general powers of township trustees, including authority over police, fire, EMS, and road services.
• ORC 511 — Provides for township parks and recreational facilities.
• Governs taxation and levy authority, ensuring townships can responsibly fund critical services such as road maintenance and public safety.

These statutes give Howland Township the legal framework to balance fiscal responsibility with community growth and quality-of-life improvements.

Howland Township Today

Today, Howland is home to nearly 20,000 residents and is known as one of the most desirable communities in the Mahoning Valley. It offers a strong school system, professional police and fire departments, full-service EMS, and a dedicated public works team that maintains roads, stormwater systems, and township facilities. With well-maintained parks, active community programs, and thoughtful planning, Howland continues to blend its historic heritage with a forward-looking vision.

Did You Know?

Howland Township was officially established in 1812.

The township is named after Joseph Howland, one of its earliest settlers.

Township authority in Ohio is granted under the Ohio Revised Code.