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.
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
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
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
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.