Ohio River Scenic Byway - Pomeroy - Meigs County
A Civil War memorial statue of an unknown soldier overlooks the Pomeroy courthouse rotunda at the corner of Second St. and Mulberry Ave. The statue was dedicated to the men of Pomeroy who lost their lives in the Civil War from 1861-1866.

Meigs County Museum
44 Butternut Avenue
Pomeroy, OH 45769
The Meigs County Museum, owned and operated by the Meigs County Historical Society, houses a large collection of early Meigs County artifacts and archives.   The various displays and  exhibits throughout the museum give insight into early Meigs County life.   The Meigs County Historical Society library, as well as the Meigs County Genealogical Society library are also in the museum.   
 
The Meigs County Historical Society Library holds early Meigs County Probate records (Birth and Death 1867-1908 and Marriages 1819-1930); Meigs County census: 1820 to 1920; Family and local histories; Newspapers (1843-1944 on microfilm; 1873-1978 actual papers); Tombstone records; Photographs of area towns, individuals, sites; Maps; Publications of surrounding counties  records, histories and censuses to 1900; Ohio Civil War Rosters; State & local histories; Miscellaneous publications and records; Steamboating; IGI Index on microfiche for Ohio and several eastern states; Family trees, Ohio and other state and miscellaneous records on CD's.  One of the most comprehensive resource libraries for local historical and genealogical research in the area.  
The United Fund for Meigs County supports the Meigs County Historical Society with an annual grant that is used to purchase materials for the Meigs County Museum Library.  Through their support we have recently added new lighting, shelving, tables and chairs to make the library more accessible.
The Meigs County Genealogical Society Library holds Family histories; Tombstone publications; Newsletters; some surrounding county publications; Roush Family History (4 volumes);  Early Ohio Marriages; Early Ohio Tax Records; Jackson County, WV publications; Pennsylvania German Pioneers (3 volumes); Some research books on Virginia, Pennsylvania and Maryland; and other miscellaneous publications.
Our courthouse in Pomeroy is also a noteworthy structure.  Set into the side of a cliff, this three story courthouse offers a ground level entrance on each story, gaining it a mention in Ripley's Believe It or Not.  Meigs County is also known for having Ohio's only Civil War Battlefield, at Portland's Buffington Island Park.   Visitors can view a monument to the battle or climb a prehistoric Indian mound. (Open year-round, dawn to dusk)  Our Battle of Buffington Island reenactment, held in Portland every July, features a Civil War encampment and old time village. Re-enactors act out the battle, and in the evening a traditional ball takes place while a Civil War band performs.

History buffs will love visiting our local museum and historical society, which dates back to 1876, the oldest in the state of Ohio.  For information on history, genealogy or cemeteries of the county, call the museum at (740)992-3810.

Visitors to Pomeroy will want to check out our 54 foot heritage mural and outdoor Riverside Amphitheater with seating for 500.  Set on the river the Riverside Amphitheater is available for entertainment, cultural programs or event rental.  Call (740)992-2239 for more information.   The Amphitheater is also the site of  Pomeroy's boat access.  This access offers numerous services such as water, electric, night lighting, security and rubbish removal.   Listed in Quimby's boating guide this dock area can accommodate large boats, such as the Delta Queen and other tour boat companies.  

Meigs County holds the distinction of being home to Ohio's oldest standing courthouse.  The courthouse located in Chester, Ohio is currently undergoing a renovation.  When finished this courthouse will have a museum and meeting rooms.  The courthouse welcomes group tours and has a variety of programs available to the public.   For information call:  (740)992-2622.

Also, in August you can catch the Noah's Ark presentation at the Hillside Baptist Church.  This outdoor drama features live animals, music and interesting special effects.  Show starts at 7 PM, concessions available (740) 992-6768.

Saving the best for last, our outdoor calendar comes to a close with the  Sternwheel Riverfest held in Pomeroy (our county seat) every September. Sternwheel boats race, while a Victorian themed parade and queen contest takes place down Main Street.  

Meigs County also claims a few other unusual tourism businesses.  The Center for the Preservation of Medicinal Herbs and United Plant Savers are located on the western end of our county in Rutland.    These businesses do research work on herbs and are available to tour.   Also, in Rutland you'll want to check out Skatopia, a free skateboard park (740) 742-1000.

Built in 1823, the Chester Courthouse is Ohio's oldest standing Courthouse.  As the current home of the Appalachian Heritage Center, the Courthouse is a repository of local history, genealogy, folklore and artifacts.  The Chester-Shade Historical Association, who oversaw the Courthouse's restoration between 1995-2001, currently administers various educational, historical, period skills, cooking, and crafts classes and programs at the Courthouse.  The Courthouse, which offers a gift shop and rotating displays, is often the site for community activities, research programs, mock trials, and special meetings.  The courthouse is also home to "Chester-Shade Days" held annually on the 3rd weekend in July in conjunction with the Ohio State Harmonica Championship.  Chester Courthouse hours are: Monday and Saturday from 11am till 4 pm, and by appointment for individual or group tours.  Please call 740 992-2622 for Courthouse information.  The Courthouse is currently available to host events, meetings and can also be rented for weddings.

For more information on how you can contribute to the preservation of this unique landmark, please call: 1-877-MEIGS-CO or 740-992-2622.


 

 

 

 

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