The settlement of Mount Vernon was established in 1805 by Joseph Walker, Thomas B. Patterson and Benjamin Butler. The county (Knox) was organized in 1808. The inhabitants were from Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In honor of the general, and President, the community was named after George Washington's famous home. The town was platted in 1805.

Mount Vernon has developed into a thriving community. The downtown has been, and continues to be, renovated with the exterior facades rehabilitated and a vigorous effort to maintain and preserve the many older buildings in the area.

Mount Vernon is in the process of renovating the Woodward Opera House, the oldest known "free-standing" opera house in the nation.

Mount Vernon is the birthplace of Daniel Decatur Emmett, author of "Dixie" and many other songs of the mid-1800's. Dan Emmett is buried in Mound View Cemetery.

In 1965 Look Magazine named Mount Vernon an " All American City" and the city maintains the standards that resulted in this acclaim. In 1994 Mount Vernon was named "Ohio's Most Livable Community" by Ohio Magazine.

Mount Vernon is proud of its City Park system and the Community Pool. Mount Vernon hosts many Little League, Babe Ruth and adult baseball and softball events. The Kokosing Gap Trail begins in Mount Vernon and travels 14 miles through some of the most beautiful country in Ohio. The trail is paved for bicycle and pedestrian travel.

Many events are centered in Mount Vernon and the surrounding area. These include The Dan Emmett Music and Arts Festival in August, The Knox County Fair in July, Antique and Classic Car Show, Ohio's Largest Garage Sale, Golf Tournaments, big band entertainment, the Annual Christmas Parade and many other opportunities for all ages.