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Days Of Yesteryear
Visions Of The Past
In 1776, Nathaniel Massie founded Chillicothe, a name derived from the Shawnee Indian word meaning "principal town.He offered free in-lots and out-lots to the first 100 settlers.
Among these first settlers were Ohio's first governor Edward Tiffin and Thomas Worthington, the Father of Ohio Statehood.
The U.S. Congress designated Chillicothe as capital of the eastern section of the Northwest Territory in 1800.
In 1801 the first isue of the Gazette was published. It is the oldest newspaper west of the Alleghenies.Two years later, the State's Constitutional Convention was held in Chillicothe and in 1803, when Ohio entered the Union, Chillicothe became the first capitol.
Also in 1803, Edward Tiffin became Ohio's first Governor.Thomas Worthington became one of Ohio's first Senators.It was also in 1803 that Thomas Worthington finished Adena.
Adena is the beautiful mansion that is on a 5,000 acre estate at the west end of Orange St.Surrounding the elegant Georgian-style mansion is a wash house, springhouse, barn, tenant house, smoke house, and beautiful formal gardens.
There is a beautiful scenic overlook where visitors can view Ross County from the exact spot where " The Great Seal of the State of Ohio" was designed.This is a must see for tourists.It is open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The construction of the Ohio and the Erie Canals in 1831 made Chillicothe a major canal port.The canal system combined with the construction of Marietta and Cincinnati Railroad attracted many new settlers.
In 1853 The Majestic Theater was built. It has never ceased operations, and therefore earns its claim to fame as the nation's oldest, continously operating theater. It was built by the local Masonic lodge and was originally known as the Masonic Opera House.
During my parents day the great act of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis appeared at this great landmark.There is a beautiful lighted arc that spans the street in front of the theater proudly displaying the name, Majestic.
Today the Majestic is currently owned by a private non-profit organization that is conducting a multi-million dollar renovation and capital improvement campaign.
Every generation for the last 145 years has gone to this beautiful theater and we all have such fond memories of it and will for years to come.
The first public library was established in Central School in 1859.
The Pump House was built in 1882 by the Chillicothe Gas Light and Water Works as the water pumping station to fight the fires that for decades burned down major areas of the city. Later, it served as the water source for the city's residents. Artists, preservationists, and area community members joined forces to restore this magnificient gothic-styled building into a beautiful art gallery.It serves as the community art center with area artists work on exhibit each year ranging from art shows, to quilt shows and historic displays.
Among the settlers that were attracted to Chillicothe was Colonel Daniel Meade who purchased a paper making plant.This paper plant eventually became known as the nationally famous Mead Corporation.
Today it is one of the major employers of the city and represents one of the largest concentrarions of paper-making talent and technology in America. Approximately 2.600 men and women produce 1,200 tons of quality white and business papers at the Chillicothe facility on a daily basis.
This is a pic of the Ross County Courthouse in 1879.
This old wooden bridge spanned the Sciots River on North Bridge Street. It burned down in 1888.
In 1895 Chillicothe Hospital was established.
In 1913 Chillicothe suffered the largest flood of all time.
The build-up of World War 1 in 1917 resulted in the construction of Camp Sherman in Ross County.In three months, the city's population jumped from 17,000 to 60,000. Much of the original Camp Sherman is currently occupied by the Veterans Medical Center,and there are also three state correctional facilities on this land.
Chillicothe was really on the move. Some of the citizens began to drive automobiles. Of course, the majority of the citizens still had horse and buggies or bikes.
The Grandview Cemetery offers a view of Chillicothe and the surrounding area. Four of Ohio's early Governor's, Edward Tiffin, Thomas Worthington, Duncan McArthur and William Allen are buried here. this is also the final resting place for Nathaniel Massie, founder of Chillicothe, Billy Ireland, famed cartoonist and George C. Tyler, noted theatrical producer.
The Ross County Historical Society Museum is the former house of a pioneer family and is now one of the finest and most complete small museums in the country.Featured are the
pioneer crafts, Ohio's Constitution Table, and children's toys along with many other items of interest.
The Franklin House is named after the family who owned it and dedicated to pioneer women who came to Chillicothe during its early years, this turn- of- the- century residence was acquired and given to the Ross County Historical Society in 1973. Exhibits depict early women's and children's clothing. Some of the house's original furniture still remains.
The Knolls Log House , circa 1827, is a two story log home. It is the latest addition to the Historical Society's complex. The home features open-hearth cooking, a kitchen garden, early household utensils and tools, and seasonal on-site demonstartions.
The James Thomas Museum is located in the Chillicothe Telephone Company. It is named in honor of James M. thomas who was the pionees in the independent(non-Bell telephone industry). Local telephone directories dating back to 1897, a magneto switchboard, wooden conduit[which contained early Western Union cables that ran beneath Chillicothe streets]various telephones instruments are on display.
One of the proudest parts of our city is Yoctangee Park. It adjoins the quaint restored retail shopping area of North Paint and Water Streets in downtown Chillicothe.
Also in beautiful Yoctangee Park is the Armory.
Today, Chillicothe is known as an industrial city surrounded by one of the most productive agricultural counties in Ohio. The rich historical past of this area provides a source of pride for local residents.
Chillicothe was really on the move. Some of the citizens began to drive automobiles. Of course, the majority of the citizens still had horse and buggies or bikes.
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