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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
Winchester Pike over Coble & Bowman Ditch, between Shannon Road and Bachman Road, is closed to widen the roadway and replace the existing culvert. The closure will last approximately sixty (60) days, weather permitting.
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
The 2025 Franklin County Fair kicks off today, and we’re thrilled to be part of the fun! Join us in celebrating Franklin County Engineer Adam W. Fowler Day! Stop by the #TeamFCEO tent to say hello, help paint the plow, enjoy some fun activities, and grab a few giveaway items while you’re there. We can’t wait to see you at the fairgrounds. Let’s make it a great start to fair week!
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
This morning, Engineer Fowler and #TeamFCEO hosted our Intern and Summer Help Networking Event where participants had the opportunity to connect with one another and hear from FCEO staff as they shared their diverse career paths, including a wide range of disciplines and professional experiences prior to joining FCEO. It was a valuable morning of learning, conversation, and inspiration. We’re proud to invest in the next generation entering the workforce as they explore meaningful and rewarding career paths.
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
The Franklin County Fair kicks off Monday, July 14, 2025. Join us on opening day for County Engineer Adam W. Fowler Day! Bring your family and friends to celebrate, help us paint a snowplow, and enjoy hands-on fun for all ages. We can’t wait to see you there!
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
Beach Road, west of Amity Road, is closed for bridge maintenance work. The closure will last approximately ninety (90) days, weather permitting.
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
Harrisburg-Georgesville Road over Big Darby Creek, between London-Groveport Road and Opossum Run Road, is closed for bridge rehabilitation work. The closure will last approximately one-hundred eighty (180) days, weather permitting.
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 Twenty-Two

Surveyor’s Journal Entry Twenty-Two

Land Acts Provide for Education

The plan to create and fund public schools with the proceeds from the sale of federally owned land had its origins in the Land Ordinance of 1785, which called for section 16 of every township to be used or sold for education purposes.

In the spirit of the original land for education provision, Vermont Senator Justin Smith Morrill sponsored the Land Grant College Act, which President Lincoln signed into law on July 2, 1862. The legislation, commonly referred to as the “Morrill Act,” offered federal land grants to states that agreed to establish a college dedicated to the teaching of agriculture and mechanical arts.

For every senator and representative a state had in congress, 30,000 acres were to be awarded. At the time, Ohio had 21 congressional members and thus received 360,000 acres.

Since there was no longer any federally owned land for sale in Ohio, the state was given land scrip (promissory notes) that could be used to acquire public land elsewhere.

Proceeds from the sale of the scrip, totaling about $342,000, enabled Ohio to start a university endowment fund.

Ohio also benefited from the sale of nearly 77,000 acres of former Virginia Military District land ceded to the state by Congress in 1871. These proceeds were collected into the 1940’s and added to the university endowment.

The Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College, now known as The Ohio State University, was established in 1870 on a 327-acre farm, in Clinton Township, donated by William Neil, (hotel, stagecoach, and railroad entrepreneur). The site was desired for its proximity to Columbus and adequate water supply.

Joseph Sullivant served on the college governing board and was instrumental in the start of the broad liberal arts curriculum that the university offers today.