National Register Listing

Monroe County Courthouse

Main St., Woodsfield, OH
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

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.

law courthouses buildings
Ohio was a key battleground state in the 2004 presidential election, with the outcome ultimately decided by a margin of just over 118,000 votes.
Ohio random facts
Monroe County, located in southeastern Ohio, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Delaware tribes, who were later displaced by white settlers in the late 18th century.

In the early 19th century, Monroe County experienced an influx of European settlers, primarily from Germany and Ireland. These settlers established small farming communities and the county quickly became known for its agricultural production. The Ohio River, which forms the county's eastern boundary, also played a significant role in the development of Monroe County as a transportation route for goods and people.

During the Civil War, Monroe County faced numerous challenges due to its proximity to the Confederate border state of Virginia. Several battles and skirmishes took place in the area, and the county was divided in its loyalties, with many residents joining either the Union or Confederate armies.

In the 20th century, the discovery of oil and gas reserves in Monroe County brought economic prosperity to the region. The extraction of these natural resources led to the growth of the oil and gas industry, attracting new businesses and residents to the county. However, the decline of the oil industry in the latter part of the century had an adverse impact on the local economy.

Today, Monroe County is a close-knit community that embraces its historical roots. The county is known for its scenic beauty, with rolling hills, forests, and access to recreational activities such as fishing and hunting. While it faces economic challenges, efforts are being made to diversify the local economy and promote tourism, building on the county's rich history and natural assets.

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

  • 1788: Monroe County is established and named after James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States.
  • 1805: The first permanent settlers arrive in the area.
  • 1813-1814: During the War of 1812, Native American attacks occur in the region.
  • 1823: The township of Woodsfield is established as the county seat.
  • 1861-1865: Monroe County residents participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1889: The discovery of natural gas leads to a significant boost in the local economy.
  • 1937: The Ohio River flood damages several towns and farmlands in Monroe County.
  • 1978: The economy shifts from agriculture and natural resources to manufacturing and services.
  • 2000: The population reaches its peak at over 15,000 residents.
  • 2018: Monroe County celebrates its 230th anniversary since its establishment.