National Register Listing

Parks Covered Bridge

N of Somerset on CR 33, Chalfunts, OH
Local significance of the structure:
Engineering; Transportation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

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.

bridges
Ohio was the birthplace of seven US presidents: Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, William Howard Taft, and Warren G. Harding.
Ohio random facts
Perry County, Ohio, has a rich and storied history dating back to its establishment in 1818. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Delaware, who relied heavily on the abundant natural resources for their survival. The arrival of European settlers in the late 1700s brought significant changes to the region.

During the early 19th century, pioneers began to settle in Perry County, establishing prosperous communities like New Lexington and Shawnee. Agriculture and mining quickly became the mainstay of the local economy, with farmers cultivating fertile soil and miners extracting coal and salt from the region's abundant resources. The construction of the Ohio Canal in the 1830s further enhanced Perry County's growth, as it facilitated trade and transportation.

In the mid-19th century, Perry County played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to free states and Canada. Many abolitionists and sympathetic citizens in the area provided support and assistance to those seeking freedom, leaving a lasting legacy of social justice.

During the 20th century, Perry County experienced economic ups and downs. The decline of the coal industry and the loss of manufacturing jobs posed challenges to the local economy. However, the county has continued to thrive in recent years, diversifying its industries, promoting tourism, and investing in infrastructure projects.

Today, Perry County remains a vibrant community that celebrates its history while embracing the opportunities of the future. Its rich heritage, natural beauty, and resilient spirit make it a unique and cherished part of Ohio's history.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Perry County, Ohio.

  • Perry County was established on March 1, 1818.
  • In 1820, Shawnee Native Americans were forced to leave the area.
  • In 1864, Perry County experienced significant flooding.
  • The Central Ohio Railroad reached Perry County in 1872.
  • From 1910 to 1930, the county's population declined due to the decline in coal mining.
  • Perry County celebrated its bicentennial in 2018.