Chillicothe in Ross County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., December 21, 2008

1. Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio Marker

Inscription. On this site, on January 4-7, 1808, the six Masonic lodges then existent in the state met and formed the Grand Lodge of Ohio. General Rufus Putnam of Marietta was elected the first Grand Master. Because of advanced age and failing health, he declined the honor and Governor Samuel Huntington was named in his stead.

Erected 1978 by The Seventh District Masonic Association and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 2-71.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1864.

Location. 39° 19.994′ N, 82° 58.96′ W. Marker is in Chillicothe, Ohio, in Ross County. It is on Main Street (U.S. 50), on the left when traveling east. Marker is on south side of courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 21 W Main Street, Chillicothe OH 45601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Scioto Valley

and in Southern Ohio Hill Country.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

and in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A Stone (here, next to this marker); Court House Renovation (here, next to this marker); Donald E. McHenry (a few steps from this marker); Nathaniel Massie (within shouting distance of

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this marker); War Savings Stamps (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Ohio's First Statehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Chillicothe (within shouting distance of this marker); Ross County Revolutionary War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chillicothe.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., December 21, 2008

2. Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio Marker

County courthouse in background.

Photographed by Craig Doda, June 24, 2022

3. Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 24, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,406 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 24, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 3. submitted on July 2, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.