From Details to Dreams

Willoughby was settled in 1798 and permanently named in 1835 in the honor of Dr. Westel Willoughby, the founder of the Medical College based in the city. The Erie Indians lived along the banks of the “Sha-ga-rin” or Clear Water river. It was later named the Chagrin River. Many historical buildings from this period survive to this date. As of the 2000 census, there was a population of 22,621. Willoughby is the home of Lakeland Community College.