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Franklin County Engineer

As a local public works agency headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, the Franklin County Engineer's Office is responsible for the maintenance and construction of 271 miles of county roadway and 351 county bridges, as well as upkeep of all county ditches, drains, retention basins, and other storm water facilities within the right-of-way of county roads in unincorporated areas. To meet the continuing development and infrastructure needs of Franklin County, the Engineer's Office utilizes the latest technologies for determining and maintaining roadway centerlines and boundaries; retracing and setting new monuments for original public land surveys; preparing geographic information system mapping for real estate tax assessments; and establishing precise countywide horizontal and vertical control to maintain uniformity in construction, surveying, and mapping.
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
This Engineers Week, we proudly recognize the dedicated engineers of the Franklin County Engineer’s Office. Their expertise, innovation, and commitment are essential in designing, maintaining, and improving the roads, bridges, and infrastructure that keep our community safe and connected. From design and construction to problem-solving and sustainability, their work ensures the reliability and efficiency of our transportation network. We are grateful for their hard work and service to the Franklin County community. Thank you for all you do! #EWeek
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
Our offices are closed today in recognition of Presidents’ Day. We will reopen Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 7:00 a.m.
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office has canceled the Level 1 Snow Emergency for Franklin County. Thank you to #TeamFCEO Snowfighters who have been hard at work to ensure our roads are clear and safe. Please continue to stay alert and use caution when driving.
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office has declared a LEVEL ONE Snow Emergency. Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy. Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously.
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
Celebrate Engineers Week with #TeamFCEO! The 2025 Engineers Week theme, “Design Your Future,” highlights the limitless possibilities in engineering. From building strong infrastructure to driving innovation, engineers shape our communities every day. Join us in recognizing their impact and inspiring the next generation! #EngineersWeek #DesignYourFuture
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
Congratulations to Brent Welch on reaching his 15-year milestone anniversary with the Franklin County Engineer’s Office! Your dedication, professionalism, and commitment have been instrumental in supporting our mission and serving the Franklin County community. Thank you for your service and for being an integral part of #TeamFCEO!
Franklin County Engineer's Office
970 DUBLIN ROAD
COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215
(614) 525-3030
fracoeng@franklincountyengineer.org

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Surveyor’s Journal Entry Seventeen

Surveyor’s Journal Entry Seventeen

Boom and Bust Times Affect County Land Sales

The addition of 45 2.5-acre lots on Columbus’ northern border in 1813, in the modern-day Short North neighborhood, and 328 acres in 1814, in the modern-day German Village, under the proprietorship of Canadian refugee John McGowan and Deputy Surveyor John Shields, exemplified the land changes that were starting to occur in Franklin County.

The first surge in land development, by 1816, coincided with the incorporation of Columbus as a Borough, the opening of the Franklin Bank of Columbus, the start of regular stagecoach service, completion of the new State House, and the opening of the first bridge over the Scioto River just south of modern-day Broad Street. At the time, there were nearly 700 residents in the borough and more than 1,000 residents across the county.

The nationwide economic panic of 1819, however, caused a steep drop in land prices that impacted local land development and sales. Prime in-town lots were selling for as low as $200 while out-lots could be purchased for 10 to 20 dollars. Foreclosures were commonplace, and even involved Columbus proprietors James Johnston and Alexander McLaughlin who relinquished their remaining properties.

Congress responded to the downturn by passing the Land Act of 1820. The legislation ended the practice of selling public land “on credit,” and required that a $100 down payment be made at the time of a transaction. The minimum land purchase and price were reduced to 80 acres at a cost of $1.25 per acre in the hopes of attracting new settlers, as well as encouraging “squatters” to purchase the land on which they resided.

Congress then passed the Relief Act of 1821 that allowed property owners in default to return their land in exchange for credit toward their debt. This was particularly helpful to farmers who could downsize without losing all of their property. The duration of credit was also extended from four to eight years to give investors and the economy time to recover.