Zanesville

Zanesville, Ohio, a city where two rivers, the Licking and the Muskingum, converge, offers a compelling blend of history, unique engineering, and artistic heritage. Established in 1797 and named after frontier road-blazer Colonel Ebenezer Zane, the city quickly grew as a vital transportation hub.

Perhaps its most famous landmark is the iconic Y-Bridge, a distinctive three-way structure that has fascinated travelers for over two centuries. Beyond this architectural marvel, Zanesville's past as a former state capital and a powerhouse of the pottery industry reveals a dynamic and influential role in Ohio's development. Today, Zanesville invites exploration, from its historic districts to its thriving arts scene, promising a journey through a singularly American story.

With a population of around 24,765 as of the 2020 census, Zanesville maintains a small-city charm while offering a surprising depth of cultural and historical experiences.

## From Frontier Trace to State Capital Zanesville's origins trace back to Colonel Ebenezer Zane, an American Revolutionary War patriot, who in 1796 contracted with Congress to build a frontier road, Zane's Trace, through present-day Ohio. In return, he received land grants, one of which was at the confluence of the Licking and Muskingum Rivers. Here, in 1797, Zane's son-in-law, John McIntire, platted the town, initially called Westbourne, which was officially renamed Zanesville in 1801.

The city's strategic location along Zane's Trace, which later became part of the National Road (U.S. Route 40), quickly established it as a significant commercial center. Early settlers, including ferrymen Henry Crooks and William McCulloch, facilitated river crossings, laying the groundwork for Zanesville's transportation infrastructure. This burgeoning importance led to Zanesville serving as Ohio's second state capital from 1810 to 1812, a brief but notable period in its history.

## The Y-Bridge and Industrial Boom The most enduring symbol of Zanesville's ingenuity is the Y-Bridge. The first iteration, a wooden trestle and stone structure, opened in 1814 to connect Zanesville with the communities of Putnam, Natchez, and West Zanesville, which would later be annexed into the city. This unique three-way bridge has been rebuilt multiple times due to floods and increased traffic, with the current steel and concrete structure, designed to resemble its 1902 predecessor, completed in 1984. Its distinctive shape made Zanesville recognizable from the air, with aviator Amelia Earhart reportedly calling it "the most recognizable city in the country."

Beyond its architectural fame, Zanesville flourished economically, particularly with the advent of the Ohio-Erie Canal in the 1830s. The city became a hub for goods and attracted industries like glassmaking and manufacturing. However, it was the pottery industry that truly defined Zanesville, earning it the moniker "Pottery Capital of the World." Abundant local clay deposits fueled numerous manufacturers, including the renowned Weller Pottery and Roseville Pottery, which produced both utilitarian and art pottery that gained national recognition.

## A Legacy of Freedom and Culture Zanesville also played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad, with the city and its then-separate community of Putnam serving as important stops for enslaved people seeking freedom. The Stone Academy, a historic site, hosted abolitionist conventions, highlighting the community's commitment to the cause. During the Civil War, Zanesville was a strategic location, with over 5,000 Union soldiers stationed there to protect against threats like Morgan's Raid.

In the 20th century, Zanesville continued to evolve, becoming known for its unique demographics, including a population of light-skinned Black residents who could "pass" in a racially segregated society, a testament to the city's complex history of racial intermixing. Today, Zanesville embraces its rich past while looking to the future, with a thriving arts scene, including numerous studios and galleries, and institutions like the Zanesville Museum of Art, which houses an extensive collection of ceramics and other works.

The Y-Bridge is undeniably Zanesville's most famous attraction, a marvel of engineering that has evolved through five iterations since 1814. Take time to observe its unique three-way design from various vantage points along the Muskingum and Licking Rivers.

Delve into Zanesville's industrial past at the Zanesville Museum of Art, which displays an extensive collection of pottery and ceramics, reflecting the city's legacy as the "Pottery Capital of the World." For a deeper dive into the region's history, visit the National Road & Zane Grey Museum, which chronicles the story of America's first federally funded highway and the life of the famous Western author, a Zanesville native.

Explore the Putnam Historic District, once a separate town, which offers a glimpse into 19th-century architecture and its role in the Underground Railroad. The Putnam Presbyterian Church, with its Tiffany stained glass, is a notable stop. For a unique natural experience, The Wilds, one of North America's largest wildlife conservation centers, is a short drive away, offering safaris and overnight stays in yurts.

Zanesville's downtown also features a growing arts district with numerous studios and galleries, particularly lively during the monthly "First Friday Art Walk." Don't miss the Alan Cottrill Sculpture Studio & Gallery, showcasing the works of a renowned local sculptor.

Zanesville experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. The most comfortable time to visit is from May through September, offering warm temperatures, abundant sunshine, and lower cloudiness, ideal for outdoor activities. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 83-84°F, while January is the coldest, with average lows around 20-23°F. The city receives moderate snowfall, mainly from December to March, and moderate annual precipitation. Autumn also provides pleasant conditions for exploring.

Zanesville is a fairly safe city for visitors, with violent crime rates slightly above the state average but 25% lower than the national average. However, property crime rates are higher than the national average, so it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings and secure your belongings. The south side of the city, particularly near the fairgrounds, is generally considered less safe, while the city center and areas further north are safer.

For emergencies, dial 911. The Zanesville Police Department can be reached at (740) 455-0700. Visitors can sign up for Muskingum County Alerts for weather and community emergencies. Zanesville conducts weekly tornado siren testing on Wednesdays at noon. The city is a popular stop for motorcycle scenic drives, so drivers should be extra cautious and give ample space to motorcyclists. If kayaking on the Muskingum River near State Route 555, be aware of old bridge debris, which can be dangerous in low water.