This exhibit was designed to honor the men and women who have dedicated their lives to the local surface coal mining industry and to recognize the remarkable and breathtaking achievements in mine reclamation that have taken place here.
For . . . — — Map (db m283628) HM
In the early 1960s, increased production was needed to meet rising demand for coal by Muskingum River Power Plant. The increased mining capability was achieved with Big Muskie, a Bucyrus-Erie 4250-W dragline. Huge by any standards, the 4250-W was . . . — — Map (db m283536) HM
Big Muskie. On May 22, 1969, Central Ohio Coal Company invited dignitaries to Muskingum Mine for the unveiling of the world's largest drag-line: the Bucyrus - Erie model 4250W affectionately named "Big Muskie." Four crews worked together to . . . — — Map (db m283625) HM
The Miner's Memorial Park is a monument to the achievements of American Electric Power (AEP) and its subsidiary Central Ohio Coal Company. One of the main attractions of this memorial is "Big Muskie's Bucket."
"Big Muskie" was the largest . . . — — Map (db m283618) HM
Once surfaced mined for coal to generate electricity to power our homes and businesses, Recreation Land is the best known symbol of AEP's environmental stewardship.
What is Recreation Land?
Recreation Land grew out of increasing demand . . . — — Map (db m283621) HM
Side A:
Agriculture dominated the economy of southeastern Ohio's Morgan County until the 1940s when harvests dwindled, the population declined, and land values dropped. Surface mining the area's rich underground coal deposits replaced . . . — — Map (db m13595) HM
These rolling hills are a symbol of American Electric Power's commitment to restoring the land to the same or better condition after mining. Surface mining provided coal to generate electricity to power our homes and businesses. After extracting . . . — — Map (db m283627) HM
When mining is complete, coal companies must meet the strict requirements of the Federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 and return land to its original or better condition.
Since the 1940s, reclaimed areas were planted with . . . — — Map (db m283620) HM
When mining is complete, coal companies must meet strict requirements of state and federal surface mining control and restoration requirements as well as return land to its original condition or better.
Since the 1940s, reclaimed areas were . . . — — Map (db m283632) HM
Named in honor of Ronald V. Crews, Mine General Superintendent of Central Ohio Coal Company, whose knowledge, dedication and friendship meant so much to so many.
Dedicated July 1972
Rededicated 2001
“To Honor All The Miners”
-R. . . . — — Map (db m13599) HM
Mining Equipment
Mining operations and equipment have changed significantly over the years. In its infancy, Central Ohio Coal removed overburden, the dirt and rock above the coal seam, with a small drag-line and shovel. The company also had . . . — — Map (db m283622) HM
Big Muskie moved more than 483 million cubic yards of material to uncover nearly 18 million tons of coal over the course of its highly productive operating life.
In the early 1960s, increased production was needed to meet rising demand for . . . — — Map (db m283623) HM
The Mining Process
Coal is mined by one of two methods - underground or surface.
Coal 200 feet or more below the surface usually is extracted using the underground method. Shallower deposits and those along hillsides are surfaced mined. . . . — — Map (db m283619) HM
Today, Recreation Land is the best known symbol of American Electric Power's (AEP) environmental stewardship.
Recreation Land grew out of increasing demand for outdoor public recreation areas. This demand presented the perfect opportunity to show . . . — — Map (db m283631) HM
This land was once surface mined for coal to generate electricity to power Ohio homes and businesses.
Agriculture dominated the economy in this area until the 1940s when harvests dwindled, the population declined and land values dropped. The . . . — — Map (db m283630) HM
Ohio's 200-year-old mining legacy played a large part in fueling the nation's industrial development. More than 3.6 billion tons of coal have been extracted from Ohio's coal-bearing region. However, poorly regulated mining during its first 150 . . . — — Map (db m283633) HM
This tree is dedicated to
Jesse Owens
1936 Gold Medal
100m Run
"the most memorable moment
of all - to be known as the
world's fastest human being"
1936 Gold Medal
200m Run
a world record at 20.7 seconds . . . — — Map (db m283629) HM
Despite the fugitive slave laws that prohibited harboring runaway slaves, fugitives found refuge in the Quaker village of Chesterfield, now Chesterhill. Legend tells that no runaway slaves were ever captured here, although many were hidden and . . . — — Map (db m16718) HM
Born in 1832, Otho French Strahl grew up in Malta Township, Morgan County, Ohio. After attending Ohio Wesleyan University and teaching in a schoolhouse that stood on this site, he moved to Tennessee, becoming a successful attorney and landowner. . . . — — Map (db m122405) HM
Dedicated May 30, 1989 in memory of Chester “Chet” Goins for over 20 years of unselfish dedication that he gave to the youth of Morgan County. — — Map (db m13373) HM
(Front): Joseph Bailey
U.S. Major General Born: 1825, Penn Township, Morgan County Awarded the “Thanks of Congress” citation Jeremiah Rusk
U.S. Brigadier General Born: 1830, Deerfield Township, Morgan County W.I.A. . . . — — Map (db m13515) HM
Rufus P. Stone, grandson of General Rufus Putnum, settled on this 1,000
acre farm and built a wooden farmhouse here in 1818. In 1855, John E.
Thomas purchased the original farmhouse and 600 acres from the heirs
of Rufus P. Stone. Thomas enlarged . . . — — Map (db m122124) HM
Prisoners convicted of rioting, larceny and adultery in Morgan County between 1833 and 1839 were confined to a dungeon near the Court House in McConnelsville. This stone vault, 11 feet high, 5 feet wide and 12 feet long, was discovered in 1964 and . . . — — Map (db m13388) HM
(Front): Confederate Brigadier General War Between the States, 1861-1865
Born: 1832, Homer Township, Reached maturity in Malta Township, Morgan County K.I.A. November 30, 1864 Battle of Franklin, Tennessee (Rear): Placed by:
The . . . — — Map (db m13516) HM
Rock Hollow School was originally built in 1877 in a wooded ravine two miles south of Ringgold, Union Township, and housed classes for fifty-seven years. The first class was held in November 1877, with John D. Davis of Ringgold teaching. Grades one . . . — — Map (db m13389) HM
In loving memory of Stewart “Stu” Stevens.
Dedicated on Oct. 3, 1997 for his love and outstanding dedication to the youth of Morgan County and the Chet Goins Ball Park. Stu unselfishly dedicated 20 years to coaching, maintaining the . . . — — Map (db m13377) HM
United States of America Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients State of Ohio Morgan County Civil War
Private Musician John T. Patterson Winchester, VA 1863 Private Elbridge Robinson Winchester, VA 1863 Private Jasper N. North Vicksburg, . . . — — Map (db m13453) HM
Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan and 600 Confederate cavalrymen entered Deerfield Township, Morgan County, about dusk on July 22, 1863. Morgan rested his men for the night at the John Weaver Farm near the Island Run headwaters.
General Morgan . . . — — Map (db m173463) HM
On the morning of July 23, 1833, Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan and 600 Confederate raiders rode down Island Run Road to the Muskingum River just below Eagleport where Island Run forms a small island. Farmers and young boys in Rokeby Lock, on . . . — — Map (db m173466) HM
This brick, Federal-style house was built in 1836. Helen Moore, the grand daughter of General Robert McConnel, officer during the War of 1812 and founder of McConnelsville, married Dr. Hiram L. True and made their home here. Dr. True practiced . . . — — Map (db m13392) HM
This former Universalist Church, which held a strong conviction for education and the pursuit of knowledge, was built in 1852 at a cost of $3,500. In 1865, its members decorated the first Christmas tree to be placed in a church in McConnelsville. . . . — — Map (db m13401) HM
Many early settlers of Morgan County were of Scot-Irish heritage and brought the Presbyterian faith with them. From this group Reverend John Hunt and twelve charter members organized the first congregation in McConnelsville and Malta in 1824 and . . . — — Map (db m13427) HM
Frances Dana Gage
One of Ohio's earliest proponents of women's rights, Frances Dana Gage (1808-1884) was born in Marietta and married McConnelsville attorney James L. Gage in 1829. She immersed herself in the major social issues of the day - . . . — — Map (db m13403) HM
A prominent early 20th century illustrator and artist, Howard Chandler Christy was born on a farm in Morgan Township. He first gained notice as an illustrator during the Spanish-American War, but achieved lasting fame for his trademark . . . — — Map (db m13411) HM
Many well-known hymns, including “Sweeter As the Years Go By,” “Nearer, Still Nearer,” and “Let Jesus Come Into Your Heart,” were composed in this church by its organist, Mrs. Lelia Morris (1862-1929). Her songs . . . — — Map (db m13412) HM
For those who served in the Persian Gulf War.
[Marker Reverse]:
Dedicated to all men and women of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm with honor and glory for those who bravely served to keep our country a land of freedom . . . — — Map (db m13461) WM
Morgan County was created in 1817 from parts of Washington, Muskingum, and Guernsey counties, with McConnelsville established as the seat of government. The first courthouse, a square brick structure, was built here in 1820. Its foundation stones . . . — — Map (db m13426) HM
Dedicated to all men and women
wounded in all our wars.
Military Order of the Purple Heart, 1782/1932.
“My stone is red for
the blood they shed.
The medal I bear
is my country's way
to show they care.
If I could be seen
by . . . — — Map (db m13469) HM
Confederate Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan's approximately 600 raiders
arrived in Rokeby Lock late in the morning of July 23, 1863, having crossed
the river from Eagleport.
One column of raiders, led by Morgan himself, used a ferryboat to . . . — — Map (db m173467) HM
Since 1880, buildings on this site have supported both commercial and residential uses. Historically, businesses on this block have included both wholesale and retail grocery, furniture, photography, carriage manufacturing, restaurant, shoe and . . . — — Map (db m209401) HM
In honor of
Judge Carlos M. Riecker
1897-1990
Through his benevolence, Morgan Countians have a greater appreciation for learning, for government, for history and for service to community. — — Map (db m208776) HM
McConnelsville and Malta are two towns that prospered because of the locks and dams built on the Muskingum River from 1836 to 1841. Settlers came to both towns in 1817. In the 1820s and 1830s, flatboats carried grain, lumber, and livestock down the . . . — — Map (db m16716) HM
The earliest North American mechanism used to open miter gates on steamboat locks were muscle powered, geared winches (windlass, crabs), which quickly replaced balance beams when lock widths exceeded about 25 feet. This 3,360 pound windlass . . . — — Map (db m16717) HM
This tablet erected by
E. D. Shafer
on the farm of W. L. McElhiney
marks the place where the
Morgan Raiders
crossed the Muskingum River
July 23, 1863 — — Map (db m265787) HM
In July 1863, Confederate General John H. Morgan led a force of 2,000 cavalrymen across southern Ohio. Morgan's force entered Ohio from Indiana on July 13. A chase ensued as Union cavalry pursued Morgan's men across twenty Ohio counties. Most of . . . — — Map (db m13383) HM
The Muskingum River Improvement, started in 1837, played a key role in economic development of the Greater Ohio River Valley as one of the nation's first complete slackwater navigation systems for steam-powered vessels, and survives as the most . . . — — Map (db m13382) HM
Following the American Revolution, the new Federal government, in need of operating funds, sold millions of acres of western lands to land companies. One such company, the Ohio Company of Associates, brought settlement to Marietta in 1788. Two years . . . — — Map (db m16713) HM
The Windsor Township Baptist Association was organized January in
1818 by Elder William Davis with 35 members who met in homes, barns
and schoolhouses. At the death of the six-year-old granddaughter of
Samuel and Tabitha Davis Henery, this plot . . . — — Map (db m224990) HM
The Stockport Mill, the third on this site since 1842, was built in 1906 by the Dover brothers. Using a pair of 40-inch Leffel turbines, it harnessed water power for both milling and generating electricity for the town. Known for its Gold Bond, Seal . . . — — Map (db m16714) HM
In the heyday of steamboating on the Muskingum, many people made
their livelihood on the river. Jane McMillan, known as Old Jane, was one
of the few women reported to have piloted boats on the river. In the
1840s she was co-owner of the . . . — — Map (db m80494) HM
Front Text : "Underground Railroad"
Some of the main Ohio Underground Railroad lines that fugitive slaves
used on their way from the Ohio River toward Canada and freedom
followed the Muskingum River. These lines, however, were not
easy. . . . — — Map (db m80328) HM
