National Register Listing

Belt Line and New York Central Freight House

3rd and Market Sts., Zanesville, OH
Local significance of the building:
Transportation; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture houses residential buildings
Ohio was the site of a major oil boom in the late 19th century, with oil wells producing millions of barrels of oil per year. The town of Lima, Ohio, became known as the "little giant of the oil industry" because of the large number of oil companies headquartered there.
Ohio random facts
Muskingum County, Ohio, located in the central part of the state, has a rich history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Delaware people. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive, with the establishment of Marietta as the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory in 1788. Muskingum County was officially created on March 1, 1804, and named after the Muskingum River which flows through the area.

During the early years of Muskingum County's history, agriculture played a vital role in its economy. The fertile soil along the river attracted many farmers who grew crops such as corn, wheat, and tobacco. The construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal in the 1830s further boosted economic development, allowing for easier transportation of goods and opening new opportunities for trade. This expansion also brought about the growth of small towns and villages in Muskingum County.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the discovery of natural gas and oil in the area led to significant industrial development. Several oil and gas companies were established, leading to a boom in the local economy. This period saw the growth of Zanesville, the county seat, as an industrial center, with factories and mills contributing to its prosperity.

Today, Muskingum County continues to be a vibrant and diverse community. It is home to a range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, and agriculture. The county also boasts beautiful landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities, attracting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. Muskingum University, located in New Concord, adds to the cultural and educational fabric of the county. Overall, Muskingum County's history is a testament to the resilience and growth of a community that has evolved from its agricultural beginnings to a thriving region in central Ohio.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Muskingum County, Ohio.

  • 1804 - Muskingum County is officially established.
  • 1805 - Zanesville becomes the county seat.
  • 1810 - The first bridge in Ohio is built over the Muskingum River in Zanesville.
  • 1827 - The National Road reaches Zanesville, spurring economic growth.
  • 1843 - Zanesville becomes a hub for the pottery industry.
  • 1863 - The "Y-Bridge" in Zanesville, a unique three-way bridge, is completed.
  • 1902 - The Zanesville-Muskingum County Convention and Visitors Bureau is established.
  • 1960s - The construction of Interstate 70 brings more visitors to Muskingum County.
  • 2000s - Muskingum University, founded in 1837, continues to be a prominent educational institution.