Zanesville in Muskingum County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Second Capital of Ohio
Photographed By J. J. Prats, April 10, 2006
1. Second Capital of Ohio Marker, Front
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 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
this page online
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. A significant historical date for this entry is May 1, 1825.
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. World War II Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Combat Wounded Veterans (a few steps from this marker); The History of Zanesville (a few steps from this marker); Zanesville (a few steps from this marker);
Photographed By J. J. Prats, April 10, 2006
2. Second Capital of Ohio Marker
Also see . . . 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.)
Photographed By J. J. Prats, April 10, 2006
3. Present Muskingum County Courthouse, Built in 1874.
Photographed 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 September 5, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 19, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,288 times since then and 90 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 19, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
