Our HistoryMorgan County was formed in 1817 and is named after General Daniel Morgan, a decorated officer in the Revolutionary War. The county was carved from three others and its location was along the Muskingum River, which made it very attractive to pioneers moving into the Northwest Territory following the Indian Wars in Ohio in 1795. An abundance of timber and furs plus the rich river bottom land provided a “wealth” of opportunity for the new settlers. Once the lock and dam system was completed in 1841 the movement of goods and people on the river increased. The Muskingum River Lock and Dam system are the oldest remaining hand-operated systems in America that are still in use. The county seat is McConnelsville and is named after General Robert McConnell, another Revolutionary War officer, who purchased the land in 1817 for $1.75 per acre. Many of the country's most noted attractions are related to its history and include the Big Bottom Memorial, the site of the Big Bottom Massacre in 1792; the Muskingum River Locks and Dams built in 1841 and recognized as a National Civil Engineering Landmark; Miner’s Memorial Park at Jesse Owens State Park, home to the Big Muskie Bucket, and the Twin City Opera House, one of very few first-floor auditorium theaters built in the late 1800s and located on the square in downtown McConnelsville. The natural beauty and resources that drew the early pioneers into the area nearly two centuries ago are what continue to draw folks into the county today. Morgan County Ohio, is a story of resilience and reinvention in the authentic Appalachian tradition.
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Museums & History
Morgan County Historical Society
168 E. Main, McConnelsville. Houses works by renowned illustrator, Howard Chandler Christy, and memorabilia from world-famous magician, MacDonald Birch, and much more. |
Evelyn True Button House
Built in 1836, located at 142 E. Main, McConnelsville. Tour her Victorian-style home and learn more about Evelyn True, one of Ohio’s first female high school principals and advocate for women’s rights. |
Multicultural Genealogical Center - Underground Railroad Immersive Exhibit
You and your teammates will seek clues that “Freedom Seekers” used. The compass said to head North and look for symbols of a safe place or a Conductor’s home. Come discover the journey to freedom that Chesterhill is part of. Compass to Freedom: $10 per person, Currently Cash Only To schedule, contact: kstevenswalker@yahoo.com or rhondat42@gmail.com |
The Doll House
Located at 126 E. Main, McConnelsville is a quaint showroom with 2,500 unique dolls on display. |
Big Bottom Memorial State Park
Following the American Revolution, the new Federal government, in need of operating funds, sold millions of acres of western lands to land companies. One such company, the Ohio Company of Associates, brought settlement to Marietta in 1788. Two years later, despite warnings of Native American hostility, an association of 36 Company members moved north from Marietta to settle “Big Bottom,” a large area of level land on the east side of the Muskingum River. The settlers were acquainted with Native American warfare, but even so, built an unprotected outpost. They did not complete the blockhouse, put pickets around it, or post a sentry. On January 2, 1791, a war party of 25 Delaware and Wyandot Indians from the north attacked the unsuspecting settlers, killing nine men, one woman, and two children. War raged throughout the Ohio Country until August 1794 when the tribes were defeated at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. The Big Bottom massacre marked the start of four years of frontier warfare in Ohio, which only stopped when General Anthony Wayne and the Indian tribes signed the Treaty of Greenville in 1795. The site is operated by the Ohio Historical Society. |
Miner's Memorial Park & Big Muskie Bucket
Big Muskie was the largest dragline ever built and an engineering marvel. Today, visitors can climb inside the bucket and imagine what it took to make such an enormous thing move. The Wall of Honor is another highlight of the area, showcasing past and present employees of Central Ohio Coal Company, the AEP subsidiary that operated the Big Muskie. In addition to the memorial features found in this part of the park, visitors can enjoy a picnic area with a shelter and a scenic overlook of the area. |
Twin City Opera House
Located on the square in McConnelsville. Serving Morgan County citizens and the surrounding area continuously for 120 years. This century-old theater hosts live drama & musical performances, film screenings & ghost tours. |
Union Hall Theater
Founded by the Quakers and built in 1908. Located in Chesterhill on the second floor of the Kate Love Simpson Library. Then and now, this theater provides the village a venue for speakers, musicians, artists, and dramatic entertainers. For more information, and a schedule of events- 740-554-6994 |
Muskingum River Parkway State Park
In 2001, the Muskingum River locking system was designated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. This designation recognizes the lock system as one of the nation’s great engineering marvels, along with the Golden Gate Bridge, Empire State Building, and Hoover Dam. In 2007, the Muskingum River Parkway was placed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Muskingum River Navigation Historic District. The Muskingum River Parkway State Park has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places and is recognized as the Muskingum River Navigation Historic District. In its day, the system of locks and dams helped open the state and the entire Midwest to trade and development. It is the only remaining system of hand-operated locks in the nation |
Morris True Value Hardware
Established in 1845, Ohio’s oldest family-owned, full-service hardware is located in historic downtown McConnelsville. Come in and enjoy the original tin ceilings created and installed by George Morris, tinsmith and founder of Morris Hardware. 740-962-4261. |
Third Street Studio & Gallery
Third Street offers artists of varied abilities the opportunity to create and sell their art in a storefront environment. 36 3rd Street, Malta |