Historical Markers in
Muskingum County, Ohio

Address at Naming of Winefordner Field, Lemmon, S. D. American Legion Post #29 Veterans Memorial Anti-Slavery Tensions in Muskingum County Architect Cass Gilbert Birthplace of Thomas A. Hendricks Birthplace of William Rainey Harper College Drive Presbyterian Church Dresden Fire Department Dresden War Memorial Eisenhower Interstate System Father John D. Kempf Veterans Memorial Findley Settlement First Traffic Fatality in Ohio / The National Road Fox Creek Bridge Fox Creek "S" Bridge Park G.A.R. Soldiers and Sailors Monument Headley Inn In Memory of Christopher Baldwin John Glenn Karl Kappes Lodge of Amity No. 5 Free and Accepted Masons Lt. Michael J. Lutz Mile Markers Motels Muskingum College Muskingum County Iraqi Conflicts Memorial Muskingum County Medal of Honor Memorial Muskingum County Vietnam War Memorial Nelson T. Gant House New Concord New Concord War Memorial Robert Francis Harper Roseville Pottery Company S-Bridge Safety Follows Wisdom Salt Creek Bridge/Timber Covered Bridges Second Capital of Ohio Sixth Street Bridge Smith House & Farm The Bicentennial Legacy Monument The Historic National Road The Historic National Road in Ohio The Lett Settlement The Muskingum River Flows North The Muskingum River Locks The New Concord Underground Railroad The Stone Academy Three Muskingum County Courthouses Union Veteran Legion No. 118 Warren Pony Truss Bridge World War II/Korean War Memorial World's Largest Basket Y-Bridge Y-Bridge Y-Bridge Y-Bridge Zane Grey Zanesville Zanesville and Muskingum County Artwall Zanesville Underground Railroad Zane's Trace Zane’s Trace Bridge
The Kent State shootings, in which National Guardsmen shot and killed four students during a protest against the Vietnam War at Kent State University in 1970, took place in Ohio. The incident sparked widespread protests and led to the closure of hundreds of universities and colleges across the United States.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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.