Historical Markers in
Morgan County, Ohio

Big Bottom Massacre Big Muskie Brick Church and Cemetery Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients Deerfield Township Eagleport Evelyn True Button House First McConnelsville Christmas Tree First Presbyterian Church Frances Dana Gage / Mount Airy Mansion General Otho French Strahl, CSA Goins Field Howard Chandler Christy J. Frank Demster Memorial Park Joseph Bailey / Jeremiah Rusk Lelia Morris & Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church Malta & McConnelsville Fire Department 50th Anniversary Malta Veterans Memorial Maple Grove Farm McConnelsville Persian Gulf War Memorial McConnelsville World War I Memorial Miner's Memorial Park Morgan County Morgan County Dungeon Morgan Raiders Morgan's Raid Muskingum River Navigation System Otho French Strahl Purple Heart Memorial Quaker Meeting House Rock Hollow School Rokeby Lock Ronald V. Crews Memorial Park Stewart "Stu" Stevens Stockport The Carlos M. Riecker Complex The Stockport Mill This Boulder Two River Towns: McConnelsville and Malta Two Riverboat Pilots Underground Railroad Windlass or Crab Winch
The Great Serpent Mound, located in Adams County, Ohio, is a prehistoric effigy mound in the shape of a serpent that is more than 1,300 feet long. It is one of the largest effigy mounds in the world and is estimated to have been built by the Adena culture more than 1,000 years ago.
Ohio random facts
Morgan County, located in southeastern Ohio, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1817. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Delaware tribes, who lived off the land and relied heavily on the surrounding rivers and forests for food and resources. European settlers began to arrive in the late 1700s, with the establishment of the first permanent settlement in present-day Morgan County around 1800.

In the early 19th century, Morgan County experienced significant growth and development. The area was known for its natural resources and fertile farmland, attracting settlers from across the country. The construction of the Muskingum River and Ohio Canal in the 1830s further stimulated the growth of the county by providing a means of transportation for goods and people. This canal system played a crucial role in the county's economy, allowing farmers and merchants to access new markets and expand their trade.

The mid-19th century brought both prosperity and hardship to Morgan County. The discovery of coal and oil in the region led to a boom in mining and drilling activities, bringing wealth and employment opportunities. However, the county also faced challenges during the Civil War, with many residents serving in the Union Army. The war not only disrupted the local economy but also left a lasting impact on the community.

In the 20th century, Morgan County continued to evolve, adapting to changes in technology and industry. The decline of coal mining and agricultural changes influenced the local economy, leading to a diversification of industries such as manufacturing, tourism, and healthcare. Today, Morgan County remains a rural and scenic area, known for its natural beauty and friendly communities.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Morgan County, Ohio.

  • 1817 - Morgan County is established on December 29.
  • 1820 - The county seat is established in McConnelsville.
  • 1870 - The Ohio Division of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad opens in McConnelsville.
  • 1885 - The village of McConnelsville is incorporated as a city.
  • 1940 - Wayne National Forest is dedicated in parts of Morgan County.
  • 1977 - The Morgan County Historical Society is established.
  • 1990 - A tornado hits McConnelsville, causing significant damage.
  • 2018 - The Ohio State Highway Patrol establishes a post in Malta.