[9] It is the only incorporated city in Geauga County, and includes land that was once part of Chardon, Hambden and Munson townships.

[11] On July 24–25, 1868, a large fire destroyed the center of uptown, 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.

Two other victims, Demetrius Hewlin and Russell King, Jr., were pronounced dead on February 28.

[14][15] Chardon is located on U.S. Route 6 about 15 miles (24 km) east of Cleveland.

[16] With an average annual snowfall of 107 inches (272 cm),[17][18] Chardon is notable for being the snowiest city in Ohio.

[19] This is mainly due to its location on a 730-foot (223 m) ridge approximately 10 miles (16 km) inland from Lake Erie, creating the perfect conditions for orographic lift and its associated heavy snowfall when winter winds blow across the lake.

[20][21] Governor George Voinovich declared a state of emergency as a result, and the Ohio National Guard was brought in to assist with the cleanup.

Celebration of the syrup season begins at Tapping Sunday in March, when the sap is at prime thawing temperature.

The annual Geauga County Maple Festival[33] is a four-day celebration that takes place on the Chardon Square the last weekend in April.

The festival has been rescheduled numerous times because of snowstorms in April due to Chardon's location in the “snow belt” of the Great Lakes; it receives a large amount of snowfall every year.

[34][35] Greater Chardon features numerous parks and golf courses.

Sand Ridge Golf Club in nearby Munson Township is also an excellent course.

Due to the area's varying weather conditions, sports activities are available for every season.