Wayne County's history begins over 200 years ago. Having been founded in 1796, Wayne County was the third county established in the Northwest Territory which then encompassed what would become Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Wayne County takes its name from "Mad" Anthony Wayne, a revolutionary war colleague of George Washington's who distinguished himself during the revolution. Wayne would continue to win acclaim for his victories against the Indians and British in the Ohio territory. Wooster, the largest of the county's three cities at the time, became the county seat in 1808. Wooster also takes its name from a Revolutionary War hero, General David Wooster.

Wayne County's rich soil and plentiful water supply supported a rich agricultural community. Wayne and several other nearby counties dominated the coal mining industry until the eastern and southern coal fields became prominent around 1860. The Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne, and Chicago Railroad (which became the Pennsylvania) came to the area in 1852 which reinforced the already established industrial economy.

Today, Wayne County covers over 550 square miles and is the 13th largest county in Ohio. Agriculture is still vital to the area, but there is also great diversity in the county's business and industry.

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