Zanesville in Muskingum County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Second Capital of Ohio

By J. J. Prats, April 10, 2006

1. Second Capital of Ohio Marker, Front

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

In 1809 the citizens of Zanesville erected a building on this site which served as the capitol of Ohio from October 1, 1810, until May 1, 1812. The 9th and 10th sessions of the Ohio General Assembly met here before returning to Chillicothe in May 1812. The building was then used as the Muskingum County Courthouse until the present courthouse was built in 1874. The 1809 date stone from the old building was incorporated into the new building and may be seen over the front steps.

In 1809 both Zanesville and Putnam (then a separate town across the Muskingum River) vied to become the capital city of Ohio. Zanesville erected a new county courthouse and Putnam erected a new school building—both towns hoping that the state legislature would find their building suitable for the state house. When the legislature settled on Zanesville the Putnam

Second Capital of Ohio Marker image. Click for full size.

By J. J. Prats, April 10, 2006

2. Second Capital of Ohio Marker

building, known as the Stone Academy, was used as a school and as a meeting place. The Ohio Anti-Slavery Convention was held there in 1835.

Erected 1991 by Pioneer and Historical Society of Muskingum County, the Muskingum County Commissioners, and the Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 7-60.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • Notable Events • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list.

Location. 39° 56.423′ N, 82° 0.418′ W. Marker is in Zanesville, Ohio, in Muskingum County. Marker is on Main Street (U.S. 40) east of 4th Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker is to the right of the courthouse steps. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Zanesville OH 43701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Zanesville (a few steps from this marker); World War II/Korean War Memorial (within

Present Muskingum County Courthouse, Built in 1874. image. Click for full size.

By J. J. Prats, April 10, 2006

3. Present Muskingum County Courthouse, Built in 1874.

shouting distance of this marker); Three Muskingum County Courthouses (within shouting distance of this marker); Lodge of Amity No. 5 Free and Accepted Masons (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Architect Cass Gilbert (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Zanesville.

Also see . . .
1. Photo of the 1809 Muskingum County Courthouse Building. (Submitted on April 19, 2006.)
2. The Official Ohio Lands Book. Indexed PDF of the book by Dr. George W. Knepper. Pictures of Ohio's first and second statehouses are on page 16. (Submitted on April 19, 2006.)

World War I Memorial image. Click for full size.

By J. J. Prats, April 10, 2006

4. World War I Memorial

Memorial is in front of the courthouse, to the left. Brass tablet reads: Erected by the people of Muskingum County in recognition of those who rendered service to our country during the World War. Dedicated November 29, 1934.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2019. It was originally submitted on April 19, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,802 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 19, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.