About Bucyrus,Ohio

Bucyrus is centrally located in Crawford County 90 miles southwest of Cleveland, 60 miles north of Columbus, and 80 miles southeast of Toledo. Bucyrus is convenient to U.S. Routes 75, 71, 23, 70, 76 and the Ohio Turnpike. It is served by two major rail lines: Norfolk Southern Corp., and Consolidated Rail Corp., with service to all major ports. Five state highways and one U.S. Highway pass through and around Bucyrus.

The town's history began as a wild and booming community frequented by some of the most famous people of the times. Crawford County was named after Colonel William Crawford who was burned at the stake by athe area's original native American inhabitants, with some help from the British, in 1782.

The name "Bucyrus" is certainly original, and was penned by the principle founder of the town, Colonel James Kilbourne. He was also a minister, surveyor, road builder, and frequenter of the American House Hotel & Tavern, a stagecoach stop on Sandusky Avenue. He compressed the words "beautiful" and Cyrus" (a General in ancient Persia) into "Bucyrus." He even wrote a song about the town and sang it whenever he could. In addition to its name, Colonel Kilbourne is also responsible for contributing to the wide streets and charming square of Bucyrus where he conducted the first sale of lots in the town.

Before long Bucyrus prospered as an industrial center, well-known for its heavy material fabrication and its diligent workers. Soon more businesses came to the area including the world famous Bucyrus-Erie Company, The Shunk Plow Company and Bucyrus Blades. Later, the Timken Company,General Electric, Checkmate Boats, Inc. and Baja Boats, Inc. also build factories in Bucyrus.

Every year for three days during August, Bucyrus hosts the Bratwurst Festival, which has earned the town the U.S. Travel Council's designation as the BRATWURST CAPITOL OF AMERICA. During the festival thousands of people take time to enjoy the community and enjoy Bucyrus-made Bratwurst. Between bites, visitors take time out to enjoy free entertainment, both on and off stage, that ranges from variety performances to top-notch entertainers. There are roving street bands, oompah bands, Big Bands, Country and Western, as well as Rock-n-Roll bands. A parade is held each day featuring drill teams, Shrine Club units, clowns, ethnic entertainers, visiting festival queens, and the renowned Ohio State University Marching Alumni Band, just to name a few.