Historic Ashtabula Harbor

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Ashtabula, OH
Historic Ashtabula Harbor

Sponsored by the Lift Bridge Community Association. A regional destination for Tourism & Recreation
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In the late 19th Century, Ashtabula Harbor became the busiest port on the Great Lakes, handling huge quantities of iron ore and coal. With the completion of a rail spur in 1873, Ashtabula Harbor became the most direct source of iron ore to feed the booming steel mills in Youngstown and Pittsburgh. Unloading ships of iron ore and re-filling them with coal was a labor-intensive business: it took 150

men to unload a typical vessel. Thousands of immigrants - Finns, Swedes, Italians, English, Irish, Scots and Portuguese - flocked to the Harbor, competing aggressively and often violently for work. During this 30 year Boom Period, Ashtabula Harbor was considered, along with Calcutta and Shanghai, one of the three roughest ports in the world. Many of the historic buildings on lower Bridge Street today served as bars and bordellos. Now at the beginning of the 21st Century, Historic Ashtabula Harbor is evolving into a popular attraction for both locals and visitors. With nearby beaches and parks on Lake Erie, marinas and boat clubs, the cleanest river on Lake Erie, local museums and a growing list of unique shops, as well as good places to dine and drink, the Harbor is poised to become a regional destination for Tourism, Recreation and Entertainment.

06/03/2026

Meet the Members of the Lift Bridge Community Association (LBCA) Board: Pam Goodell!

Pam Goodell is a former Plant Controller and CPA with a background in budgeting, financial reporting, variance analysis, cost control, and process improvement. She worked on trail and park development projects for a conservation group and volunteered as a tax preparer for low-income and elderly clients for four years post-retirement. Pam is eager to contribute to advancing the Historic Ashtabula Harbor community as an attractive and dynamic tourist destination along Lake Erie, serving on our Finance and Strategic Planning Committees. We are super excited and grateful to have her on the team!

historicashtabulaharbor.org/lbca

06/01/2026

It’s officially bridge go up season in the Historic Ashtabula Harbor!

05/29/2026

We’re so excited to welcome Remedy Salon to the Historic Ashtabula Harbor!

Owned by Elissa Frasure, Remedy Salon is offering a brand new option for hair and beauty care on Bridge Street. Whether you’re looking for a fresh cut, a color transformation, or just a little time to breathe and feel taken care of, Remedy Salon is there for you.

Located at 1477 Bridge Street, Unit B, Remedy Salon is open Mondays through Saturdays and is currently accepting bookings. For more information or to book your appointment, call or text (440) 276-0963 or check out Remedy’s website at remedyhairsalon.com.

05/25/2026

Happy Memorial Day from the Historic Ashtabula Harbor! To those who fought for our freedom, thank you will never be enough. We remember you today and always❤️🇺🇸

05/23/2026

Eerie Harbor Ghost Walk is kicking off its ninth season!

05/22/2026

Meet the Members of the Lift Bridge Community Association (LBCA) Board: Joe Brobst!

Joseph Brobst was born and raised here — Ashtabula County and the Historic Ashtabula Harbor are his roots. Joe graduated from Ashtabula High School and has accumulated many hours and certificates from Cleveland State University for landscape design and lawncare. Joe has owned and operated his landscape and maintenance business, Brobst Maintenance Inc., for over 20 years. While doing so, Joe carries several licenses for vegetation control and lawn management. Joe takes great pride in community projects and was involved in beautification for the first Wine & Walleye Festival Ashtabula. Most recently, Joe was awarded the Community Outreach Person of the Year 2025 presented by the Ashtabula Chamber of Commerce. Supporting locally is very important to Joe, and he looks forward to future projects with LBCA! He currently serves on the beautification and Wine & Walleye committees.

Learn more about the LBCA:
https://www.historicashtabulaharbor.org/lbca

05/19/2026

We’re thrilled to welcome Patina On the Lake to the Historic Ashtabula Harbor! This stunning new shop is bringing vintage, European-inspired finds to the shores of Lake Erie.

Owned by Amy Clutter, a seasoned expert in vintage finds, Patina On the Lake specializes in antique furniture, unique décor, and home accessories, with each piece sourced slowly and chosen by hand. If you love the charm of a well-worn finish, the warmth of aged wood, or the elegance of French and European antiques, this is your new favorite destination.

Opening Memorial Day weekend, visit this brand new shop on Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23 from 10am-5pm at 1467 Bridge Street! Learn more at patinaonthelake.com

Address

Bridge Street
Ashtabula, OH
44004

Website

http://www.historicashtabulaharbor.org/

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