Heath in Licking County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Ohio Canal Ground-Breaking
Photographed by Heather Crawford, September 6, 2007
1. Ohio Canal Ground-Breaking Marker
In the early 1840s James A. Garfield, who was to become the 20th President of the United States and a Master Mason, led tow horses on the canal.
Erected 1978 by The 22 Lodges of the 19th Masonic District, Coshocton, Knox, and Licking Counties and the Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 2-45.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Ohio and Erie Canal, and the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1780.
Location. 40° 0.857′ N, 82° 27.375′ W. Marker is in Heath, Ohio, in Licking County. It is on Hebron Road (Ohio Route 79) near Coffman Boulevard, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Heath OH 43056,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Columbus Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, 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 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Ohio Canal Was Started (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); An Eagle at the Center (approx. 2.3 miles away); What's Missing? (approx. 2.3 miles away); Great Circle Earthworks (approx. 2.4 miles away); Monumental Works of Earth (approx. 2.4 miles away); Was this a fort? (approx. 2.4 miles away); Earthen Architecture (approx. 2.4 miles away); Pathway to Preservation (approx. 2.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Heath.
Regarding Ohio Canal Ground-Breaking. Canal is hidden from view by thick trees in the
Photographed by Heather Crawford, September 6, 2007
2. Marker can be seen in the distance next to Hebron Rd., State Rt. 79. Coffman Blvd. is on left.
Also see . . .
1. Ohio's Historic Canals. (Submitted on September 9, 2007, by Heather Crawford of Newark, Ohio.)
2. Governor DeWitt Clinton's grave. (Submitted on September 9, 2007, by Heather Crawford of Newark, Ohio.)
Photographed by Heather Crawford, September 6, 2007
3. Monument commemorating the site of groundbreaking ceremonies on July 4, 1825.
Photographed by Craig Doda, July 27, 2025
4. Ohio Canal Ground-Breaking Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 9, 2007, by Heather Crawford of Newark, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,367 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 9, 2007, by Heather Crawford of Newark, Ohio. 4. submitted on July 31, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
