Ohio Route One - Introduction

Ohio Route 1
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Introduction
Welcome to the Ohio Route 1 web site. This site was created in the intent to inform and obtain the history of the modern Ohio Route 1.

The Ohio route system as we know it today was created in 1926 when the previous road numbering scheme conflicted with the new U.S. Highway system. The original Ohio Route 1 followed what is now U.S. route 40. Ohio routes 2, 3 kept their numbers, but Ohio Route 1 disappeared. Ohio Route 1 would not reappear for another 34 years.

The modern Ohio Route 1 reappeared in 1959. This new route conveniently passed near or through most of the major cities in Ohio including Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Mansfield, Akron, and Cleveland. From Cleveland, Ohio Route 1 continued Northeast toward Erie, PA.

What route did Ohio Route 1 take?
Route 1 started in Cincinnati and followed the newly opened Interstate 75 North to Dayton. From Dayton, Route 1 followed the existing U.S. 40 (soon to be Interstate 70) corridor East to Columbus. From Columbus, Route 1 followed the newly opened Interstate 71 Northeast to Medina (exit 218). From Medina, Route 1 followed Route 18 East to Montrose. From Montrose, Route 1 followed Route 21 North to Brecksville. From Brecksville, Route 1 followed Route 82 East to Aurora. From Aurora, Route 1 followed Route 306 North to then Route 84 (Close to Kirkland Hills and Mentor). From near Kirkland, Route 1 followed Route 84 Northeast about 6 miles close to Painsville. From just South of Painsville, Route 1 had its own 2 mile segment South to connect with the newly opened Interstate 90. Route 1 finished its route following Interstate 90 Northeast to Erie, PA.