History & Heritage

As the location of many of the first establishments in the Northwest Territory and an engine that fueled much of the country’s industrial progress, Ohio is a state filled with fascinating history and culture. Even the most knowledgeable history buffs may be surprised by the amount of historic intrigue they can find along the Winding Road. We welcome suggestions to this list! Planning a trip somewhere along the Winding Road? Find a historical site nearby!

Athens County

Southeast Ohio History Center – Athens
Besides offering revolving exhibits of various chapters of Southeast Ohio history, those at the history center work year-round to make the history of this region more accessible to residents and visitors.

the-ridges-e1524671718399.jpg
The infamous Athens Asylum, built in 1874.

Athens Asylum (The Ridges) Tours

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway – Nelsonville

Hocking County

Hocking County Historical Society

Haydenville Historic Town
The last fully-owned company town to pay its workers with scrip and own the houses they lived in was in Haydenville, a town which built up around coal and then clay.

Karshner Mound – Near Laurelville
One of the largest remaining burial mounds in Ohio, this massive mound of earth is thought to have been built by the Adena people, who lived in Ohio as far back as 1000 BC.

William H. Woodruff House – SE of Logan
Built in 1892, this historic home serves as another reminder of the intricate Victorian architecture that was prevalent in early Ohio homes.

Fairfield County

Fairfield County Heritage Association – Lancaster

Sherman House Museum – Lancaster

Georgian Museum – Lancaster

Meigs County

Meigs County Historical Society – Pomeroy

Buffington Island – Buffington Island State Park
The only battle of the Civil War fought in Ohio, Buffington Island is a reminder of that massive war and the battle there, with Confederate forces led by John Hunt Morgan.

Morgan County

Morgan County Historical Society – McConnelsville

Civil War Encampment Days
The second weekend in July, reenacters flood the twin cities of Malta and McConnelsville, setting up both Union and Confederate camps, which visitors can tour, and staging a battle reenactment.

The Evelyn True Button House & Carriage House – McConnelsville
This beautifully preserved Victorian home belonged of one of Ohio’s first female school principals and a strong advocate for woman’s rights.

The Rock Hollow School – Malta
A preserved one-room school house on Main St. is a representation of early education.

Multicultural Genealogical Center– Chesterhill

Big Muskie Bucket – 10 miles east of McConnelsville

BigMuskie_MVC-010S
Big Muskie

Just a short drive from McConnelsville, this historic, massive piece of equipment remains on display as a tribute to the hard work and ingenuity of Ohioans over the years that contributed to the growth of the U.S.

Muskingum County

The Pioneer and Historical Society of Muskingum County – Zanesville

The John & Annie Glenn Museum – Zanesville

The Y-Bridge – Zanesville
Learn more about the famous Y-shaped bridge that crosses the convergence of the Licking and Muskingum Rivers.

Perry County

Perry County Historical and Cultural Arts Society – Somerset

Roseville Historical Society

Robinson’s Cave & Museum – New Straitsville
A short climb up from Main Street, visitors can see the birthplace of the United Mine Workers and see the history of the moonshiner’s haven that was New Straitsville.

Glenford Fort – Near Buckeye Lake

Covered Bridges and Round Barns
Find driving directions to the covered bridges and round barns in Perry County.

Vinton County

Vinton County Historical & Genealogical Society

Covered Bridges Tour

Washington County

Washington County Historical Society

Campus Martius Museum – Marietta

Ohio River Museum – Marietta

The Henry Fearing House Museum – Marietta
Built in 1847, this antique-filled historic building is a representation of a classic Victorian home. It is open to the public May – October, Friday & Saturday 1-4pm or by appointment.