History
Formed in 1815 from Ross, Highland, Adams, Scioto and Jackson counties, the locality was named for explorer and U.S. general Zebulon Montgomery Pike. The Ohio-Erie Canal originally was planned to run through Piketon. Efforts by Piketon's Robert Lucas (speaker of the house in the legislature at the time) and a vote by canal commissioners on July 10, 1829, changed the course of the canal so it went through Lucas' land in Jasper and ultimately to rival Waverly, now the county seat. The canal lasted for 70 years.
The Eager Inn was a prominent stop on the Underground Railroad and was the first stone inn built in Ohio to support overland travel. Built along the Zane Trace trail around 1797 by Andrew Ellison and John Beasley, it served as an inn until 1870 and then was used as a general store and residence until 1950.
The United States Atomic Energy Commission selected a 4,000-acre tract of land along the Scioto River in Pike County for the site of the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant in 1952. Enrichment activities ceased in May 2001, but the plant continues to provide sampling, transfer and shipping services.
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Business Opportunities
Business Growth and Potential
Pike County is located in south central Ohio a half hour's drive from the Ohio River. It is principally served by State Route 32 (the Appalachian Highway) running east and west and U.S. Route 23 running north and south. The county's location, access to transportation, available workforce, and educational opportunities are strong advantages for companies seeking to relocate or expand. Industries supplying paper, automotive components and modular housing employ many workers in the region. Due in part to its abundant hardwood resources, the county has also seen substantial growth in the cabinetry and furniture industries.
A new industrial park called Zahn's Corner has 140 acres open for development with an additional 700 acres nearby. Zahn's Corner is Enterprise Zoned and fully serviced with all utilities. Businesses locating at the site can take advantage of competitive rail rates with access to both CSX and Norfolk Southern lines. Located one mile from the intersection of U.S. 23 and Route 32, the park provides efficient road transportation options as well.
Major Employers
Brown Corporation of America
Eastern Local Board of Education
HCF / Pleasant Hale Manor
Masco Corp./Mills Pride Inc.
Pike Health Services
Scioto Valley Local Board of Education
United States Enrichment Corporation / USES
Wal-Mart Stores
Waverly City Board of Education
Business Support Organizations
Pike County Chamber of Commerce
12455 St. Rt. 104
PO Box 107
Waverly OH 45690
(740) 947-7715
mail@pikechamber.org
Pike County Community Development
116 S. Market Street, Suite 103
Waverly OH 45690
(740) 947-5808
pikecomm@adelphia.net
Southern Ohio Diversification Initiative (SODI)
1864 Shyville Road
Piketon OH 45661
(740) 289-3654
Waverly Economic Development Department
201 W. North Street
Waverly OH 45690
(740) 947-0603
Educational Opportunities Nearby Shawnee State University not only offers four-year degree programs, but it also collaborates with local businesses to develop specific skills through its Tech Prep program. In addition, Shawnee State offers courses at the Vern Riffe-Pike County Joint Vocational School in Piketon.
Area residents are also served by the Ohio University branch just north of the county, in Chillicothe. The main campuses of Ohio University in Athens and The Ohio State University in Columbus are within easy commuting distance.
Tourism and Lifestyle
Recreation
Recreational activities include skiing at Spicy Run Mountain, water sports at Lake White and Pike Lake State Parks, golfing on championship courses, and prime hunting and fishing areas. History buffs will also want to explore the Pike Heritage Museum and the Ohio Governor Robert Lucas Home.
Attractions and Points of Interest
- Long's Family Retreat--This 400 acre camping area is a scenic getaway featuring trailer and tent sites as well as cabin and condo rentals. Activities include water slides, swimming, fishing, miniature golf, adult and kiddie go-carts, basketball, tennis, volleyball, softball.
- Big Beaver Creek Golf Club, with its signature historic 14th hole, features bent grass tees, greens, and fairways, and offers four sets of tees to choose from. The concrete canal structure hazards create some unexpected challenges.
- Lake White Club--Visitors can sample a slice of Ohio history along with the popular fried chicken served at this unique restaurant. The Lake White Club has timbers dating back to a log cabin built on the site in the early 19th century. The cabin officially became the Lake White Club in 1938, serving visitors of the newly formed lake. The restaurant offers a legacy of fine dining dating back more than 50 years.
- The Emmitt House--This fine establishment serves as both a restaurant and the center of numerous community activities. Dances, amateur nights, comedy performances, tournaments, and even appearances by psychics are scheduled throughout the year. Constructed in 1861, the building was restored in 1989.
Visitor Information
Convention & Visitors Bureaus:
Pike County CVB
12455 St. Rt. 104
P.O. Box 107
Waverly OH 45690
(740) 947-9650
pike.travel@mail.scoca-k12.org
Airports
Pike County Airport
2577 Alma - Omega Rd.
Waverly, OH 45690
740-947-9973
Travel Agents
AAA South Central Ohio
217 West Emmitt Avenue
Waverly, OH 45690
Hospital
Pike Community Hospital
100 Dawn Lane
Waverly, OH 45690 |