Richland Early American Center for History

Richland Early American Center for History (REACH) is a not-for-profit organization under 501(c) (3) operated by members and volunteers dedicated to the preservation and education of the history and life of the early settlers to the historical borders of Richland County, Ohio.

A significant symbol of Mansfield's early settlement, the original Mansfield Block House was built in the fall of 1812 to provide protection from possible Indian attack during the War of 1812. From 1813 to 1816 it functioned as Richland County's first courthouse. This building is a commemorative structure built in the fall of 1906 for the 1908 Mansfield Centennial Exhibition. The building is significant in terms of the city's military history and early settlement.
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The Petersburg Cabin is a pre-civil war made of hand hewed logs. It was originally located on a knoll opposite Petersburg Lake, and it was later relocated to the town of Mifflin which was originally a part of Richland County.

Hawk’s Nest Forge and Cooperage from the same period was completed in 2021. All are all located at South Park, 100 Brinkerhoff Ave., Mansfield, Ohio,

REACH seeks to keep these and other parts of our local history from fading into the past. REACH will inform, educate and present the history and life of early American settlers to Richland County and Ohio to all that are interested.