SR 79 was first designated between Lancaster and Walhonding in 1924 by way of Hebron, Newark, and Newcastle. By 1926, the northern terminus had been rerouted to Nellie. In 1932, the segment between Lancaster and Hebron was deleted (the part not concurrent with US 40 became SR 37) but within one year, the route was extended about  south to Buckeye Lake ending at SR 157.
SR 79 began in 1924 between Lancaster and Walhonding, passing through Hebron, Newark, and Newcastle. By 1926, the northern endpoint moved to Nellie. In 1932, the section from Lancaster to Hebron was discontinued (the part not aligned with US 40 became SR 37), but within a year, the route was extended southward to Buckeye Lake, concluding at SR 157.