Athens in Athens County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Athens First Settlement - 1797
Photographed by Jamie Abel, May 4, 2011
1. Athens First Settlement - 1797 Marker
In the spring of 1797, Rufus Putnam sent eleven “substantial men ... possessing firmness of character, courage, and discretion” to found a settlement on the bank of the Hockhocking River. In 1800 the territorial legislature named the community Athens and in 1811 the village was incorporated. In 1912 the population exceeded 5,000 and Athens officially became a city.
Bicentennial Steering Committee
Richard B. Abel, Mayor, City of Athens
Verda B. Jones, Committee Chair
George W. Bain John D. Good
Crompton B. Burton Guy C. Phillips
Robert L. Daniel Joanne D. Prisley
Gail G. Good Don F. Stout
Bicentennial logo designed by Ted Gallagher and Don F. Stout
Erected 1997 by Athens Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1797.
Location. 39° 19.752′ N, 82° 6.036′ W. Marker is in Athens, Ohio, in Athens County. It is on East Washington Street 0.1 miles east of North Court Street, on the left when traveling east. The plaque is located to the left of the front
this page online
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: First Presbyterian Church (within shouting distance of this marker); First Settlers in Athens County (within shouting distance of this marker); Athens County Vietnam War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Athens County Revolutionary Soldiers Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); "The Berry" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ohio University (about 700 feet away); Ohio University 1915 Alumni Gateway (about 700
Photographed by Jamie Abel, May 4, 2011
2. Athens First Settlement - 1797 Marker
Marker is situated next to the front door of the Athens City Building.
Also see . . . Athens, Ohio. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on May 5, 2011, by Jamie Abel of Westerville, Ohio.)
Photographed by Jamie Abel, May 4, 2011
3. Athens First Settlement - 1797 Marker
The marker on the City Building, as seen looking across West Washington St.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 20, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 5, 2011, by Jamie Abel of Westerville, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,947 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 5, 2011, by Jamie Abel of Westerville, Ohio. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
