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Sheeps Pen Lock Hocking County |
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Becky Thatcher Marietta |
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Logan Block Sidewalk |
-Beneath the hills of Ohio’s Hill Country, our ancestors found iron, coal and clay and, in turn, these resources shaped our industrial history. For example, the Hanging Rock Iron Region was the source of more iron in the pre-Civil War period than any other region in the U.S.; the potteries and clay products industries were legendary and what they created is now extremely collectible; and coal from Ohio’s Hill County fueled the industrial revolution in Ohio and elsewhere. Even today, many of these industries still exist, although in a different scale and form than in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Walk down the streets of one of America’s most architecturally distinctive mining towns; visit and shop at potteries that continue the century-old tradition of producing fine quality clay products; and visit any of the several museums devoted to the pottery and ceramics industry of the region. Historic transportation routes – including roads, canals, railroads and rivers – criss-cross Ohio’s Hill Country Heritage Area. Trace the region’s patterns of development while meandering along our designated Scenic Byways, including the old National Road (one of our nation’s All American Roads) and the Ohio River National Scenic Byway; take a train ride that passes through our rural areas and small towns; have lunch at a railroad depot that served as a cantina serving troop trains during World War II; and pass through restored canal locks in a narrow canal boat pulled by horses. All of these experiences will provide hours of enjoyment for both young and old. Among Ohio’s Hill Country offerings are:
Resources to Explore:
Columbus Washboard Company (Hocking County)
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal profiled this company, which is the only continuously-operated washboard manufacturer in the nation. Although once a staple in American homes, washboards today have two general markets – the Amish who still use them for their intended purpose and the home furnishings and craft market where washboards are appreciated for their quality design. The company has been in operation (at several different locations) since 1895. 14 Gallagher Avenue Logan, Ohio www.columbuswashboard.com [ back to top ]
Crooksville/Roseville Potteries and Ceramic Museum (Perry County)
Located just a short drive south of Zanesville, the towns of Crooksville and Roseville boast a rich and ongoing history of pottery making. The vast mineral wealth of the region, including potters clay and coal, have made this area of Ohio’s Hill Country one of the most productive pottery making regions in the nation. Today, the visitor can see buildings and walk on streets made of local brick; purchase locally-made clay products, and visit the Ohio Ceramic Center to learn more about this interesting industry. The museum is open from mid-May – mid-October on Wednesday – Saturday 9:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. and Sunday 12:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M., closed holidays. State Route 93 between Crooksville and Roseville Ohio www.ohiohistory.org [ back to top ]
Denison Railroad Depot (Tuscarawas County)
The guest book at the Denison Railroad Depot tells the remarkable story of the town and this building. Located along the main line of the Pennsylvania Railroad between New York and St. Louis, Dension gained fame during World War II when its residents met and fed every troop train that passed through. The guest book is filled with the names of visitors from all over the country who remember the kindness shown to them during wartime. Today, the restored depot has both permanent and changing exhibits and a restaurant in the former canteen space. The non-profit organization that operates the depot also sponsors a variety of interesting rail excursions including fall foliage and holiday tours; murder mystery tours; and special tours on a variety of rail lines. (740) 922-6776 400 Center Street Denison, Ohio [ back to top ]
Elderberry Line Scenic Railway (Carroll County)
This excursion line runs for eleven miles from Carrollton to Minerva through villages, farmland, historic areas and forests. The “Elderberry Line” nickname was give to the railroad in the 1890s because of all the berry bushes growing the in the right-of-way. The train departs from the restored Carrollton Depot. The train operates from mid-June through October and a special Christmas schedule. For more information and train schedules contact: (330) 627-2282 Carrollton, Ohio [ back to top ]
Fly/Sisterville Ferry (Monroe County)
Take this ferry across the Ohio River and you will experience a rapidly vanishing form of transportation. As more bridges have been built across the rier, the ferries that were once common, have all but disappeared. Located in Monroe County, this sternwheeler ferry still transports eight cars and passengers across a scenic stretch of the river between Fly, Ohio and Sisterville, West Virginia. Open daily throughout the season. For further information contact us. State Route 7 Fly, Ohio [ back to top ]
Garden Accents, Logan Clay Products (Hocking County)
Known for over 100 years for its high-quality clay sewer pipe, this historic Hill Country industry has expanded to offer a retail location for its garden planters, birdbaths, decorative stepping stones and garden edging. The showroom is located in one of the original brick beehive kilns. All products are fired at a high temperature and are able to withstand the freeze/thaw cycle and can be left outdoors. Open Monday-Friday 10:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. 201 South Walnut Street Logan, Ohio 43138 [ back to top ]
Hanging Rock Iron Region (Lawrence, Jackson and Gallia Counties)
The Hanging Rock Iron region, located in three southeastern Ohio counties, was a major iron producer during the early 19th century. In fact, it produced much of the iron that was used by Union troops to win the Civil War. The Wayne National Forest has restored the Vesuvius Furnace in the Vesuvius Recreation Area in Lawrence County, and the Buckeye Furnace is located a little farther north in Jackson County. It is believed that several of the furnace operators were active participants in the Underground Railroad and that they may have financed their activities through profits from iron making. The Wayne National Forest is working with local historians to conduct research to verify this claim. For further information contact the Greater Lawrence County Area Convention and Visitors Bureau 740-377-4550 [ back to top ]
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway (Athens County) Welcome aboard for a leisurely trip in restored historic rail cars through the beautiful Hocking Hills where every season has something special to offer. Spring wildflowers, fall foliage and special Santa excursions all contribute to an experience the whole family will remember. Trains operate on a seasonal schedule and tour groups are welcome. (800) 967-7834 Nelsonville, Ohio www.hvsr.com [ back to top ]
Homer Laughlin China (Columbiana County)
Perhaps best known for its Fiesta dinnerware, which has been popular for decades, Homer Laughlin China is one of the largest surviving producers of china in this upper Ohio Valley region. Factory tours are offered daily and the factory outlet is open year round Monday-Saturday, 9:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. and Sunday, 12:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. across the Ohio River from East Liverpool, Ohio Newell, West Virginia www.hlchina.com [ back to top ]
Museum of Ceramics (Columbiana County)
Operated by the Ohio Historical Society, this museum houses a fine collection of pottery and china produced by the more than 200 potteries that operated in the East Liverpool area since 1839. The museum is open March through November, Wednesday – Saturday, 9:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. and Sunday, 12:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. (330) 386-6001 5th and Broadway East Liverpool, Ohio www.ohiohistory.org [ back to top ]
Muskingum River Parkway (Coshocton, Muskingum, Morgan and Washington Counties)
Visit the only remaining hand-operated lock system in the United States as you travel along Ohio Routes 16, 60 and 378 between Coshocton and Marietta. Built during the 1830s, when Ohio was creating its canal system, the Muskingum River became an important early transportation route. Or better yet, take a boat for all or part of the 112 mile route for a unique experience! A trip along the river connects historic towns and villages while passing through rural landscapes of this linear state park. The historic Stockport Mill in Stockport has a restaurant and overnight accommodations, as well as boat and water sports rental. The locks are tended from April – October, Thursday – Sunday during designated hours. Boaters should call (740) 674-4794 and request a Fast Facts brochure with operating instructions, fee schedules, hours and other necessary information. 740) 674-4794 www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks [ back to top ]
National Road/Zane Gray Museum (Muskingum County)
Construction on the National Road began in 1806 and when it was completed, it extended from Cumberland, Maryland to Vandalia, Illionois. Nicknamed the “Main Street of America,” the story of this first federal highway is told at the National Road/Zane Gray Museum, operated by the Ohio Historical Society. A highlight of the visit is a carefully detailed 136’ diorama. Other exhibits celebrate Zane Grey, a Zanesville author and the Ohio art pottery industry, which was centered in Zanesville. 8850 East Pike Road Norwich, Ohio www.ohiohistory.org [ back to top ]
Ponn Ridge Humpback Bridge (Vinton County)
Covered bridges were once common throughout Ohio's Hill Country Heritage Area. Although more seem to disappear annually, Vinton County still has five historic covered bridges that have been described in a self-guided driving tour. One of the most unusual is the Ponn Bridge, built in 1874. It is a humpback bridge with a slightly bowed form. For more information about these bridges contact the Vinton County Travel and Tourism Bureau. (740) 596-5033 [ back to top ]
Roscoe Village (Coshocton County)
A visit to historic Roscoe Village is a visit to a period in time before highways, railroads, telephones and cars – to a time when the Ohio & Erie Canal was the most advanced transportation system in the state. Roscoe Village, operated by a non-profit organization, is a collection of historic early 19th century canal-era buildings that house living history interpretative sites, shops and restaurants. A ride on a canal boat will give visitors a feel for “life in the slow lane.” A visitors’ center, guided tours, special events, entertainment and overnight accommodations make it an ideal place to spend several days. www.roscoevillage.com [ back to top ]
In This Page
Columbus Washboard Company (Hocking County)
Crooksville/Roseville Potteries and Ceramic Museum (Perry County)
Denison Railroad Depot (Tuscarawas County)
Elderberry Line Scenic Railway (Carroll County)
Fly/Sisterville Ferry (Monroe County)
Garden Accents, Logan Clay Products (Hocking County)
Hanging Rock Iron Region (Lawrence, Jackson and Gallia Counties)
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway (Athens County)
Homer Laughlin China (Columbiana County)
Museum of Ceramics (Columbiana County)
Muskingum River Parkway (Coshocton, Muskingum, Morgan and Washington Counties)
National Road/Zane Gray Museum (Muskingum County)
Ponn Ridge Humpback Bridge (Vinton County)
Roscoe Village (Coshocton County)