World Atlas compiled a list of the eight oldest cities in Ohio and information on what makes each place special. Here’s what the publication had to say:
Founded in 1816, Ohio is affectionately known as the Buckeye State after the Ohio buckeye trees. There are many charming towns scattered throughout the state that bear witness to Ohio’s rich history. History buffs will love exploring the downtowns and historic districts of these cities that take visitors back in time. The many museums in these cities are treasure troves for knowledge seekers. Nature lovers can also explore the unique offerings of these cities, which offer outdoor archaeological digs, hiking trails, and walking tours of historic sites.
Marietta
Marietta is the oldest city in Ohio. It was founded in 1788 by the Ohio Company of Associates. It was originally called Adelphia, which means “brotherhood,” and was later renamed Marietta in honor of the then Queen of France, Marie Antoinette. The city’s name was changed in honor of France’s efforts to help America win during the American Revolution.
This historic city has many significant sites in the state’s history. One of the many historic landmarks is the Marietta Earthworks, an archaeological field over 1,500 years old created by people of the Hopewell tradition. One of the prominent earthworks in this area is the Great Mound, around which the city’s founders built the Mound Cemetery. The iconic annual Ohio River Sternwheel Festival, established in 1976, showcases several sternwheeler vessels on the Ohio River. On the Ohio and Muskingum rivers surrounding the city, visitors and residents can enjoy outdoor activities such as boating, kayaking, biking, and more.
Gallipoli
Gallipolis is the county seat of Gallia County. The city was first settled by Europeans in 1790. It is located along the Ohio River in the Appalachian region. It is the third oldest European settlement in Ohio. Gallipolis City Park, in the center of the city, was originally settled by French refugees in the 18th century. The city park is now the site of many community events, such as the Gallipolis Light. There are three historical markers: the Kerr Memorial Fountain, the Bandstand, and the Spirit of the American Doughboy. The Gallia County Hike and Bike Trail is an 8.5-mile trail that passes through farmland and ends at Haskin Memorial Park near the river.
Chillicothe
Chillicothe is located between the Scioto River and Paint Creek. The town was founded in 1798. Locals describe the town area as the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. There are several historical sites to visit in the old, charming town. Hopewell Culture National Historical Park is a historic park featuring earthworks and mounds created by the people of the Hopewell tradition dating back to 200 BC. The park has about five earthwork complexes, including the High Bank Works. The Old Ohio Trail takes you on a path where you can discover the state’s most important earthworks. Tour the Adena Mansion and Gardens-home of Thomas Worthington, the sixth governor of Ohio.
Steubenville
Located on the Ohio River, Steubenville is a city in Jefferson County founded in 1797. The city was once called the “Beautiful City.” It was named after Fort Steuben, which was named in honor of the Prussian military officer Baron Steuben. This city has many historical sites.
One of the historic sites in Steubenville is Fort Steuben, an 18th-century fort overlooking the Ohio River. This fort housed 150 men of the 1st American Regiment. The fort was reconstructed and the surrounding areas were turned into Fort Steuben Park, including the Veteran Memorial Fountain. Dimitrios Akis created an Ohio Valley Steelworker statue as a tribute to the Ohio Valley Steelworkers. Also called the City of Murals, downtown Steubenville features more than 25 murals. Make a stop at the Steubenville Nutcracker Village while you’re in town. Additionally, downtown Steubenville has a statue honoring President Abraham Lincoln’s Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, who was born and raised in this city.
Zanesville
At the confluence of the Muskingum and Licking Rivers lies Zanesville, a city and county seat of Muskingum County. This city was founded and named after Ebenezer Zane in 1799. At the confluence of the Licking and Muskingum Rivers is the Y Bridge, one of the rarest bridges in the country. This historic city is home to two of the National Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks, the Muskingum River Canal and the Muskingum River Parkway. The Muskingum County Courthouse has a bell made by the same company that made the Liberty Bell.
Lancaster
Founded in 1800, Lancaster is located near the Hocking River and is home to the Fairfield County Fair, a week-long Ohio county fair where you can enjoy activities such as horseback riding, concerts, food, etc. Immerse yourself in the 1830s with your visit to the Georgian Museum, a home built in 1832 for the McCracken family. The home where William Sherman, a Lancaster general, and his brother were born has been converted into a museum. The museum displays artifacts related to the life of General Sherman and the Civil War. Downtown Lancaster is a feast for the eyes. Take a tour of the shops and historic sites.
Portsmouth
In southern Ohio, the picturesque city of Portsmouth is located at the confluence of the Ohio River, Scioto River, and Little Scioto River. Over the years, Portsmouth has lost many historic sites due to lack of maintenance and fires, but there are still many historic places you can visit and learn about the city’s history. Visit Spartans Stadium (originally opened as the home of the Portsmouth Spartans) and the Boneyfiddle Historic District (settled by German immigrants in the 19th century). Before you leave this old town, be sure to hang a star on the flood wall designed to protect the city from flooding.
Athens
Athens is home to Ohio University. It is a small college town located on the Hocking River in the Appalachian Mountains. It is surrounded by many hills. Ohio University is often called the most haunted institution. On Halloween, this city hosts the annual Halloween Block Party. This party, as well as other spooky statistics, have earned Athens a reputation as one of the scariest places in the world.
Aside from the spooky factor, there are plenty of activities tourists can do to make the most of their Athens experience, from visiting the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery to hiking the miles of trails of the Athens Trail network. Cap off your adventure at the Athens Skate Park, the second largest concrete skate park in Ohio.
