Learn more about Ross County with Ohio Historical Markers

CHILLICOTHE − All around Ohio stand plaques commemorating historic sites. Ross County is no stranger to these signs with 15 decorating locations in the area.

Ohio Historical Marker program started in the 1950s. According to the Ohio History Connection over 1,700 markers are around the state. Village and city limits also have historical markers informing visitors of the history of the area. Every year more signs are added, telling more of the story of the state.

The current location of Ross County Courthouse is also the location of Ohio's first statehouse. According to the marker the building, located on North Paint Street, was built in 1801 and in 1802 was where Ohio's first constitution was written. Shawnee leader Tecumseh would also give a speech at the building in 1807 telling citizens Native Americans would remain peaceful. In 1852 the original building was torn down to make way for the current courthouse.

In front of Bennett Hall at Ohio University Chillicothe stands a marker for Joseph Carter Corbin. He is best known for his work in the Reconstruction-era South after the Civil War where he helped create many educational opportunities for African Americans. Corbin was born in Chillicothe and would earn a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees from Ohio University.

In South Salem, the Salem Academy has a marker telling the history of a congregation that came together to give new educational opportunities to the youth of the community. According to the marker the school was built in 1842, with stone from a quarry south of Greenfield. The school primarily prepared students to become teachers and ministers. In 1907 when the school closed over 1,500 students had been educated in the building. The location was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

See more historic places: A look at the sites in Ross County on the National Register of Historic Places

In Frankfort, the Concord Presbyterian Church was recognized for the congregation's role in the anti-slavery movement. The marker states that the church was a location on the Underground Railroad with congregation members being conductors on the railroad and slaves being hid in the loft of the church for safety.

To find more historical markers all around Ohio visit the Ohio History Connection's interactive map.

Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: A look at historical markers in Ross County