Athens County

The history of Athens County, Ohio, is rooted in the pioneer spirit following the Revolutionary War and the establishment of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. Early settlers, arriving in 1788, encountered fertile farmland and valuable resources like salt, coal, and clay, which spurred industrial growth. The vision for a university emerged even before settlement began, leading to the founding of Ohio University, which continues to thrive over 200 years later in the city of Athens.