Athens Downtown Historic District
N. Court St. between Carpenter and Union Sts. and Congress and College Sts., Athens, OH Local significance of the district: Commerce; Politics/government; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
About National Register Listings
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.
The Cincinnati Reds, one of Ohio's two Major League Baseball teams (along with the Cleveland Indians), were the first professional baseball team to wear uniforms with numbers on them. They did so in 1911, to help fans identify players more easily.
About Athens County
Athens County Timeline
Athens County, located in southeastern Ohio, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee, Delaware, and Wyandot. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to move into the area, attracted by the fertile land and natural resources. The first permanent settlement, called Athens, was established in 1797, and the town quickly grew into an important regional center.
During the 19th century, Athens County experienced significant growth and development. It became the home of Ohio University, founded in 1804 as the first institution of higher education in the Northwest Territory. The presence of the university brought intellectual and cultural enrichment, and Athens became known as the "Athens of the West," a nickname that remains to this day. The county was also a center of industry, with coal mining becoming a major economic driver, and the Hocking Canal providing a vital transportation link.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Athens County faced challenges and changes. The decline of the coal industry and the rise of mechanization led to economic hardships for many residents. However, the county also saw important social and political movements, such as the labor movement and the women's suffrage movement. Activism and progressive ideas thrived in Athens County, leading to important social and political changes that would impact the entire region.
In modern times, Athens County continues to be a vibrant community, with a diverse economy that includes education, healthcare, and tourism. The county remains an important center for education, as Ohio University continues to grow and attract students from around the world. The natural beauty of the region, including the Hocking Hills State Park, draws visitors who come to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and boating. Today, Athens County is known for its unique blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant community spirit.
During the 19th century, Athens County experienced significant growth and development. It became the home of Ohio University, founded in 1804 as the first institution of higher education in the Northwest Territory. The presence of the university brought intellectual and cultural enrichment, and Athens became known as the "Athens of the West," a nickname that remains to this day. The county was also a center of industry, with coal mining becoming a major economic driver, and the Hocking Canal providing a vital transportation link.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Athens County faced challenges and changes. The decline of the coal industry and the rise of mechanization led to economic hardships for many residents. However, the county also saw important social and political movements, such as the labor movement and the women's suffrage movement. Activism and progressive ideas thrived in Athens County, leading to important social and political changes that would impact the entire region.
In modern times, Athens County continues to be a vibrant community, with a diverse economy that includes education, healthcare, and tourism. The county remains an important center for education, as Ohio University continues to grow and attract students from around the world. The natural beauty of the region, including the Hocking Hills State Park, draws visitors who come to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and boating. Today, Athens County is known for its unique blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant community spirit.
Athens County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Athens County, Ohio.
- 1797 - Athens County is established
- 1804 - The town of Athens is laid out and becomes the county seat
- 1809 - Ohio University is founded in Athens
- 1815 - Steamboats begin to navigate the Hocking River, boosting transportation and trade in the area
- 1833 - The Ohio and Erie Canal reaches Athens County, further enhancing transportation and economic development
- 1861-1865 - Athens County contributes soldiers to the Union Army during the American Civil War
- 1870s - The coal mining industry becomes a major economic driver in Athens County
- 1913 - A devastating flood hits Athens County, causing significant damage to the area
- 1964 - Ohio University experiences student protests and demonstrations as part of the larger Civil Rights and anti-Vietnam War movements
- 1993 - The Athens County Historical Society and Museum is established to preserve and showcase the county's history