National Register Listing

Hope Furnace

5 mi. NE of Zaleski on OH 278, Zaleski, OH
Local significance of the structure:
Industry

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

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 first professional baseball team, the Cincinnati Red Stockings, was formed in Ohio in 1869.
Ohio random facts
Vinton County, Ohio, located in the southeastern part of the state, has a rich history that spans centuries. Native American tribes, such as the Shawnee and Chillicothe, were the earliest known inhabitants of the region. These tribes lived off the land, hunting, fishing, and cultivating crops in the fertile valleys of the area. With the arrival of European settlers in the late 18th century, the landscape of Vinton County began to change.

In the early 19th century, settlements began to grow and flourish in Vinton County. The small communities were primarily engaged in agriculture, raising livestock and farming crops like corn, wheat, and tobacco. The coal industry also played a significant role in the county's history, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Coal mining operations attracted immigrants from Europe and Appalachia, leading to a growth in population and economic development.

Vinton County continued to evolve throughout the 20th century. The arrival of railways and improved transportation infrastructure facilitated the growth of industries such as timber, oil, and gas extraction. The county saw significant growth in population and the establishment of schools, churches, and other community institutions.

Today, Vinton County retains its rural character, with its economy primarily driven by agriculture, tourism, and outdoor recreation. The county is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the Wayne National Forest and Lake Hope State Park. Despite its small population, Vinton County has a rich history and remains an important part of Ohio's heritage.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Vinton County, Ohio.

  • 1797 - Vinton County is formed from portions of Ross, Athens, and Gallia counties.
  • 1850 - Population of Vinton County reaches 5,434.
  • 1870 - Vinton County experiences a decline in population due to the end of the iron industry.
  • 1882 - The Vinton County Railroad is completed, connecting the county to the rest of Ohio.
  • 1900 - Population of Vinton County reaches its peak at 24,177.
  • 1933 - Vinton County is severely impacted by the Great Depression, with high unemployment rates.
  • 1966 - Lake Hope State Park is established in Vinton County.
  • 1972 - Wayne National Forest is established, covering parts of Vinton County.
  • 2000 - Vinton County's population decreases to 12,806.
  • 2015 - Timber harvesting and tourism become important sources of income for Vinton County.