In 1822, two land speculators named Benjamin Leavell and Horatio Phillips had the land between the Maumee and Auglaize rivers platted. However, it took another 28 years before the population in the region reached 890 residents.

Fort Defiance and Fort Winchester were no longer in existence when the Miami/Erie and Wabash/Erie canals were built. These two canals were very instrumental in the development of our downtown business area. Early navigation on the rivers by pirogues and flatboats brought much-needed supplies to the early settlers. Tradesmen, merchants, clergymen and others began arriving. Hotels, sawmills and gristmills began to appear.

As a result of this thriving economic atmosphere, some houses of fine architectural style were built. Some of these can be found tucked along historic Jefferson Avenue, Holgate Avenue and Perry Street, as well as on the north side of the Maumee River in what was once known as Williamstown.

Defiance boasts a rich and flavorful history of names. North Defiance was once called “Canada.” East Defiance was known as “Dog Town,” and west Defiance was known as “Irish Town.” Much later, south Defiance had a section known as “Tin Town.”

Today there is plenty of new home construction going on in and around Defiance. Builders have several homes in-stock and available for custom projects. Four active subdivisions have lots available, and several more are being developed. Most new, 1,500-square-foot, three-bedroom ranch houses are moderately priced in the $100,000 to $150,000 range. Larger homes of 1,700 to 1,800 square feet with basements can be bought or built for $200,000 or less.

There are usually 200 to 250 existing homes on the market, with prices ranging from $40,000 to $200,000.