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

Inscription.
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.

Athens Bicentennial Celebration - 1997
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. Marker 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 door of the Athens City Building. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Athens OH 45701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers.

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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 feet away); Athens County Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Memorial (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Athens.

Also see . . .
1. Athens, Ohio. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on May 5, 2011, by Jamie Abel of Westerville, Ohio.)

2. Athens, Ohio. Ohio History Central article on Athens history. (Submitted on May 5, 2011, by Jamie Abel of Westerville, Ohio.)

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.

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 June 19, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 5, 2011, by Jamie Abel of Westerville, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,184 times since then and 37 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.