March 11, 2013

Oh, Those Ohio Towns

March marks the anniversary of Ohio statehood, and a great opportunity for a short primer on our Ohio history.  For example, did you know that our first state capitol was in the charming town of Chillicothe?  In 1802, such renowned figures as Thomas Worthington, Edward Tiffin and Thomas Jefferson worked with a small army of political leaders to gain statehood for Ohio, recognizing the possibility of rapid development along the important waterways in the region.  Because of its prime location on the Scioto River, on March 1, 1803, the Ohio General Assembly met for the first time in Ross County and began the work of building the Buckeye State.  In the shadow of these great leaders were plenty of folks who were also busy building farms, businesses, schools and families in prospering small towns along the rivers, canals and, of course, Lake Erie.  

Noted historian, Frederick Jackson Turner proclaimed in an address delivered to the Ohio Valley Historical Association in 1909, “The Ohio Valley has not only a local history worthy of study, a rich heritage to its people, but also that it has been an independent and powerful force in shaping the development of a nation.  Every year in May, Garth’s spotlights our rich Ohio heritage with the annual Ohio Valley Auction - celebrating more than 200 years of artistry, craftsmanship and history in our great state.  


An exceptionally detailed painting by portrait artist, Richard Sheppard, of Waverly Ohio and dated 1859.  With the construction of the Ohio-Erie Canal, Waverly became a “river city,” and with the access to markets up and down stream, the local economy thrived.  Sold, Garth’s $49,900


An important schoolgirl sampler wrought by Chillicothe resident, Charity Trimble in 1807, memorializing the first state house of our great state.  Sold, Garth’s $14,950.


A fine and rare map of Ohio, 1828, hand-colored to highlight county boundaries, railways and population statistics.  This pocket map was engraved and printed by Robert T. Anderson of Cadiz, and published by James Turnbull of Steubenville.  Sold, Garth’s $2,990  


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