Long before roads, homes, and villages filled the landscape, the area now known as Clear Creek Township was shaped by its natural resources; rolling farmland, wooded areas, streams, and the lakes that continue to define our community today.

Evidence of the area’s earliest history was discovered right here in Bailey Lakes when an ancient dugout canoe was found in Mud Lake. Believed to be approximately 3,600 years old, the canoe serves as a remarkable reminder that people have lived, traveled, and gathered near these waters for thousands of years.

The lakes and waterways that remain treasured landmarks today were part of the story long before the communities of Bailey Lakes and Savannah were established.

Clear Creek Township is one of the fifteen townships of Ashland County, Ohio. Established in the early years of county settlement, the township grew from a rural farming community built by families who worked the land and established homes, churches, schools, and businesses.

For generations, agriculture played an important role in township life, with farms and small communities developing along the roads and waterways. While the area has changed over time, Clear Creek Township continues to reflect its rural roots and strong sense of community.

Today, the villages of Bailey Lakes and Savannah are both located within Clear Creek Township.

Savannah has long served as a gathering place within Clear Creek Township.

The village developed as families settled the area, establishing homes, businesses, churches, and schools that helped shape community life. Throughout the years, Savannah became a place where neighbors connected, whether through local events, township activities, school traditions, or everyday life.

Many historic landmarks and memories remain part of Savannah’s story, connecting today’s residents with the generations who came before them.

The Village of Bailey Lakes was incorporated in 1959, but the story of the area began much earlier.

Built around the natural beauty of the lakes, the community grew from a rural landscape of farmland and open space into the residential village we know today. The lakes became a centerpiece of the community, drawing families who appreciated the quiet setting, outdoor recreation, and small-town atmosphere.

Historical aerial photographs from 1958, 1988, and 2003 show this transformation from farmland and early development to the neighborhoods and familiar landmarks residents recognize today.

While Bailey Lakes has grown and changed, the heart of the village remains the same: neighbors, community, and appreciation for the natural surroundings that first made this area special.