Chardon

Chardon is a city in and the county seat of Geauga County, Ohio, United States. The population was 5,148 at the 2010 census. It is the only incorporated city in Geauga County, and includes land that was once part of Chardon, Hambden and Munson townships. It is located about 10 miles south of Lake Erie and within the "snow belt" of the Great Lakes.HistoryChardon is named after Peter Chardon Brooks, who donated land to build the historic Chardon Square. Chardon Township celebrates its incorporation in 1812, and thus the City of Chardon does the same.Chardon fireOn July 24–25, 1868, a massive fire totally destroyed the center of downtown, the area now known as Chardon Square. The fire originated in the Parlin Parkin's grocery store, and spread rapidly. By the time the fire was contained, the courthouse, post office, and many stores on the square were destroyed. Damage was estimated at around $120,000.Chardon Square was quickly rebuilt following the fire. A new county courthouse, which still stands today, was completed in 1869. Many other buildings that were constructed after the fire also survive and are used today.