Amesville in Athens County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Historic Amesville

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., January 4, 2009

1. Historic Amesville

Inscription. Pioneers began arriving in Ames Township in 1797, making it one of the earliest settlements in the Northwest Territory. As early as 1804, the village purchased enough books to create a library. It is known today as the Coonskin Library because it was financed through the sale of animal pelts. Amesville was a center for commerce and education and was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad, as residents assisted countless slaves from the South on their way to freedom.

Erected by TEAM Athens County.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Charity & Public Work • Education • Industry & Commerce • Notable Places • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1797.

Location. 39° 24.038′ N, 81° 57.341′ W. Marker is in Amesville, Ohio, in Athens County. It is at the intersection of State Street (Ohio Route 550), on the left when traveling east on State Street. Mural is painted on the west facade of the Amesville post office. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Amesville OH 45711, United States of

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Hocking Hills.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Ohio River Valley,

in Appalachia,

and specifically 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 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: Ames Academy Bell (within shouting distance of this marker); Western Library Association (within shouting distance of this marker); Frank Henry Gifford (within shouting distance of this marker); The Crazy, True Story of Alonzo R. Weed (within shouting distance of this marker); The Underground Railroad (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Federal Valley Trains (about 400 feet away); The Coonskin Library (approx. 0.2 miles away); Amesville (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Amesville.

Historic Amesville Mural image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., January 4, 2009

2. Historic Amesville Mural

Historic Amesville Mural on US Post Office image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., January 4, 2009

3. Historic Amesville Mural on US Post Office

Historic Amesville Mural Sponsorship image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., January 4, 2009

4. Historic Amesville Mural Sponsorship

Historic Amesville Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, April 19, 2025

5. Historic Amesville Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 22, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,279 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 22, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 5. submitted on April 23, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.