Warsaw, named after the capital of Poland in tribute to Tadeusz Kościuszko, was platted on October 21, 1836.

[7] Early Warsaw saw traders, trappers, and merchants supplying manufactured goods to area farmers.

Because of the central location in the lake region, tourists soon began visiting Warsaw and eventually made permanent residences in the city, with industry soon following.

The Big Four Railroad (Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago, and St Louis) arrived in Warsaw in August 1870.

[citation needed] In 1895, Revra DePuy founded DePuy Manufacturing in Warsaw to make wire mesh and wooden splints, becoming the world's first manufacturer of orthopedic appliances.

32.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Warsaw has an elected mayor, clerk and city council-style of government.

Warsaw's current mayor is Republican Jeff Grose, who has served since January 1, 2024.

Mike Hodges is Warsaw's longest-serving mayor who served for 5 terms.

The Warsaw Common Council is a seven-member legislative group that serve four-year terms.

Competitors, such as Zimmer, Inc. in 1927 and Biomet, Inc. in 1977, have subsequently been founded in Warsaw to support the industry.

Other companies headquartered in Warsaw are Da-Lite, makers of commercial and home theater projection screens; LSC Communications, a commercial printing press; Dalton Foundry, a malleable iron casting foundry; ABC Industries, a leader in mining ventilation products and industrial textile fabrics; Penguin Point, a defunct regional fast-food chain; Explorer Van, founded by Bob Kesler; and PayLeap, a payment gateway service provider.

Movies shot in Warsaw include American Teen by Nanette Burstein which premiered at Sundance Film Festival, New Life (film), produced by Erin Bethea, Long Gone By and Room 441.

Central Park, which overlooks Center Lake, is host to regular concerts during the summer months.