History lovers and byway explorers will find hundreds of historical markers scattered along the Ohio River Scenic Byway. Ohio has 1,500 markers throughout the state. The signature cast aluminum signposts recognize interesting places, people, and events – and their part in history. Here are some of the most notable markers along the byway.
East Liverpool boasts the Point of Beginning, where the survey of the Northwest Territory began.
In Jefferson County, markers near Steubenville celebrate the life of Andrew Carnegie, Abraham Lincoln’s Visit to Steubenville, Fort Steuben, the first Federal Land Office, Ohio River Lock and Dam 10, and entertainer Dean Martin.
In Belmont County, at Bellaire, a marker denotes the site of the Great Stone Viaduct. At Powhatan Point, markers commemorate the site’s legendary name and its place in the coal industry.
In southern Monroe County, at Sardis, the Fly Ferry Landing is designated as an exceptional place in the region’s transportation heritage and a marker indicates a campsite of George Washington when he was a surveyor in the Ohio Valley.
In Washington County, markers can be found at several covered bridges, commemorating Marietta as the First Settlement and its significance to the Underground Railroad, and memorializing the visit of the Lewis & Clark Expedition and The Ordinance of 1787. Markers along the river tell of the people and boats that made their way on the mighty Ohio. Many of the area’s ancient earthworks are also designated sites.
Throughout Meigs County, several markers follow the path of Morgan’s Raiders – a confederate cavalry incursion – their pursuers, and their fight. In Reedsville, the birthplace of Ambrose Bierce is recognized with a marker.
In Gallia County, you’ll discover historic markers dedicated to the river – and near Gallipolis a horrific bridge collapse, the Silver Bridge Disaster. In Bidwell, the homestead of legendary restaurateur Bob Evans is a site of significance.
In Lawrence County, the 1849 founding of the City of Ironton is commemorated with a signpost. Nearby, a marker designates the Hanging Rock Iron Region – where 46 furnaces provided the foundation for the early iron industry.
In Scioto County, historical markers celebrate the boyhood home of Roy Rogers, Portsmouth and the Ohio River, and the Sciotoville Bridge – an engineering marvel constructed in 1916.
In Adams County, you and your posse can hunt down the signpost for the Bentonville Anti-Horse Thief Society – founded in 1853 and operational still today. In Peebles, the Serpent Mound, a prehistoric effigy mound, is a well-marked National Historic Landmark.
In Brown County, the village of Ripley with its 55 acre historic district has several markers, including one for the Ohio River and another dedicated to the Squirrel Hunters of 1862 – a group of civilians who defended Cincinnati from confederate attack.
In Clermont County, the birthplace of US President Grant in Pt. Pleasant is designated with a historical marker.
Hamilton County, rich in diversity and culture, has about 80 historical markers. Designated sites include the birthplace of two US presidents (William H. Taft and Benjamin Harrison) and the burial place of yet a third (William Henry Harrison). Sites of importance to artists and authors are recognized – like the Edgemont Inn, the former residence of Harriet Beecher Stowe. Historic markers are used to tell of the early French claims to the Ohio River Valley. They also recount home front Civil War battles like those fought by Morgan’s Raiders and the Black Brigade of Cincinnati.