Historical Markers in
Scioto County, Ohio

1937 Ohio River Flood Mark on Bigg's House A Struggle To Be Free Alexandria / Alexandria Flood / Stone House / Court Street Gateway All Saints' Episcopal Church Bigelow Church Boyhood Home of Roy Rogers Boyhood Home of Wesley Branch Rickey Camp Oyo Camp Oyo Boy Scout Camp Chillicothe Street, 1940's / Steel Industry, 1870-1980 / Clarence Holbrook Carter / Carl Ackerman Civil War Memorial Eli Kinney House First Presbyterian Church Introduction / The Mound Builders / Early Shawnee Village, 1730 / Celeron de Blainville, 1749 Julia Marlowe / Portsmouth Shoe-Steels / The Portsmouth Spartans / The Greyhound Bus Station, 1941 Lock 48 Lucasville Cemetery / Captain John Lucas Founder of Lucasville Millbrook Park / The Shoe Industry, 1869-1977 / Early 1900's Streetcar / Government Square, 1919 Ohio's Biggest Yellow Buckeye Platting of Portsmouth, 1803 / The 1810 House / The 1812 Era / Flood Gate House / Early Boneyfiddle Portsmouth and the Ohio River Portsmouth Foundry & Machine Works Portsmouth Motorcycle Club / Good Times Remembered / Sunset at the Point / Sister Cities Portsmouth Railroads, 1950's / Modern Industry / Medical History / Twentieth Century Wars Progress in Education / Shawnee State Expansion / Vern Riffe Roy Rogers / 1937 Flood / Branch Rickey / Kentucky Friends Scioto County KIA-MIA Memorial Sciotoville Bridge Spartan Municipal Stadium Stagecoach / Hanging Rock Region / Ohio and Erie Canal / Early Industries Tenth Street Station / Market Square / Portsmouth 1903 The Crossing at Scioto County / The Underground Railroad The Honorable Vern Riffe (1925 - 1997) The Otway Covered Bridge Twilight / Dedication Panel / Muralist Robert Dafford War Memorial
Ohio played a key role in the development of the modern steel industry. Andrew Carnegie, one of the most famous industrialists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, started his career in the steel industry in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but his first major investment was in a steel mill in Braddock, Ohio.
Ohio random facts
Scioto County, Ohio, located in the southern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was once inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and the Iroquois. European settlers began to arrive in the late 18th century, establishing towns such as Portsmouth and Lucasville.

During the 19th century, Scioto County played a significant role in Ohio's industrial development. The discovery of coal in the region led to the growth of mining operations, attracting workers and entrepreneurs. The completion of the Ohio and Erie Canal in 1832 further stimulated economic growth, as it provided a vital transportation route for goods and people.

In the mid-19th century, Scioto County became an important center for iron production. The establishment of iron furnaces and foundries in Portsmouth fueled the local economy, creating jobs and attracting a diverse workforce. By the late 19th century, the county was home to numerous industries, including steel, brick manufacturing, and glass production.

The 20th century brought both challenges and opportunities to Scioto County. The decline of the coal and steel industries dealt a blow to the local economy, leading to a shift towards a more service-based economy. Today, the county continues to evolve, with a focus on healthcare, education, and tourism as key drivers of economic growth.

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

  • 1803 - Scioto County is officially established as part of the state of Ohio.
  • Late 1700s - The first European settlers arrive in the area, primarily from Kentucky and Virginia.
  • 1814 - Portsmouth, the county seat, is incorporated as a town.
  • 1825 - The Ohio and Erie Canal reaches Portsmouth, bringing economic growth and increased trade to the area.
  • 1863 - During the American Civil War, numerous battles take place in and around Scioto County.
  • Late 1800s - The county's economy booms with the development of coal mining and the expansion of the railroad network.
  • 1913 - The Great Dayton Flood also affects Scioto County, causing significant damage and loss of life.
  • Mid-1900s - The decline of coal mining and industry leads to economic challenges for Scioto County.
  • 2009 - The Southern Ohio Veterans Memorial Highway, also known as the Portsmouth Bypass, opens, improving transportation in the area.