 History
Vinton County is named for Samuel Finley Vinton, a popular Republican Congressman from Gallia County. Vinton, originally named DeVintonne, was of French descent. As an attorney he traveled the surrounding counties, arguing cases before circuit judges in the county seat. Vinton's father-in-law, J.R.R. Bureau, was a wealthy landowner, politician and one of the French 500, Gallia County's first group of settlers. The state legislature created Vinton County on March 23, 1850. Athens, Hocking, Jackson, Ross, Meigs and Gallia counties contributed land to the new county.
In 1849 the Scioto and Hocking Valley Railroad brought fast transportation to the county. Commerce followed closely behind. In 1854 the Richland Iron Furnace was built, followed by furnaces at Zaleski, Hamden, Vinton and Hope. The furnaces and railway line created the Hocking Valley Iron Region, which stretched as far north as Perry County. As improved transportation brought increased commerce to the region, small villages sprang up around the railroad stations. Wilkesville, the oldest village, was platted in 1810. Some of those communities have been abandoned since, but others, such as Ray, Dundas and Zaleski, still exist. As produce and other local products were exported, city products were imported, adding variety to life in rural Vinton County. The discovery of high-grade ore in the Lake Superior Region brought the furnaces' demise in the late 19th century.
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Business Opportunities
Business Growth and Potential
Vinton County is the least populated (12,806) and most heavily forested county in the state. Throughout the year, special events and festivals highlight this scenic backdrop and provide tourism opportunities. Coal, once a major Vinton County export, has diminished in importance but continues to be a factor in the local economy. Timbering is the county's most significant industry today.
Major Employers
Austin Powder Company
Crownover Lumber Company
Huston's Nursing Home
McArthur Lumber and Post Company
McArthur Supervalu
Sands Hill Coal Company
State of Ohio
Vinton County Local Board of Education
Vinton County National Bank
Sojourners Care Network
Natural Resources
Three fourths of the land is covered in second-growth trees, mainly of a mixed oak composition. Other valuable resources found in the county include a vast array of woodland wildflowers such as large-flowered trillium, wild geranium and hepatica. Birds such as the woodthrush, pileated woodpecker, great-horned owl and barred owl inhabit Vinton County's parks.
Business Support Organizations
Vinton County Chamber of Commerce
104 West Main Street
P.O. Box 307
McArthur OH 45651
Phone: 1-800-596-4459
Fax: (740) 596-9262
Vinton County Development Department
205 South Market Street
McArthur OH 45651
(740) 596-3529
Educational Opportunities Residents of Vinton County are within commuting distance of several area colleges, including Ohio University and Hocking College.
Tourism and Lifestyle
Recreation
- Lake Hope State Park, S.R. 278, Zaleski.-- Camping, Nature Programs, Boat Rental and Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Picnicking, Swimming, Winter Sports, Mountain Bike Trails. (740) 596-5253
- Lake Alma State Park, S.R. 349, Hamden - Camping, Picnicking, Boating, Swimming, Hiking, Walkway, Bikeway, Boat Rental, Nature Programs. (740)384-4474
- Lake Rupert State Wildlife Area, S.R. 683 near Hamden. -- Hunting, fishing and hiking.
- Mead's Vinton Furnace Sanctuary, S.R. 160 -- Hiking trails, historic iron furnaces.
- Zaleski State Forest, S.R. 278 -- -- Horseman's Camp with 49 miles of bridle trails, 23 1/2 miles of backpacking trails with three campsites, public hunting, public shooting range. (740) 596-5781
- Uncle Bucks Riding Stables - Located in the Zaleski State Forest. (800) 221-1122
- Richland Furnace State Forest, Twp. Rd. 15 -- ATV area; historic iron ore area.
- Tar Hollow State Forest & Park, St. Rt. 327 -- Lodge, cabins, camping, horse trails. (740)887-4818
Attractions
- Cox, Mt. Olive, Tinker, Arbaugh and Ponn Covered Bridges
- Ravenwood Castle - St. Rt. 93, New Plymouth, 1-800-477-1541. A romantic "medieval" castle with rooms, suites and old world cottages, lunch, gifts, and tours.
- The Moonville Tunnel
Antique and Gift Shops
- Cross Creek, Flea Markets, U.S. Rt. 50 W. (740) 596-2213
- The Little Shops at Ravenwood Castle, (740) 596-2606
- Vinco Wood Crafts, -(740) 596-4422
- Scenic Way Art Glass & Woodworking Studio, (740)-596-1913
- The Nature Center at Lake Hope, (740) 596-5253
- Hope General Store at Lake Hope Dining Lodge, (740) 596-4938
- Artistic Mirrors, (740) 887-4064
- RyKon Radical Kloset, McArthur, (740) 596-3648
- Remember When... Antiques & More, (740) 596-4607
- The Wicker Cabin, Crafts, Gifts & Collectibles, (740) 596-5276
- Fiddlestix, (740) 596-0100
- Lesa's Collectibles, (740) 596-5885
- Little Extras, (740) 596-4463
- Lois' Antiques, (740) 596-4424
- The Red Door Thrift Store, (740) 596-2394
- ReUse Industries, (740) 698-8200
- The Art Barn, (740) 380-9927
Visitor Information
Convention & Visitors Bureaus:
Vinton County Convention and Visitors Bureau
104 West Main Street
P.O. Box 307
McArthur, Ohio 45651
Phone: (740) 596-5033
Fax: (740) 596-9262
Airports
The Vinton County Airport serves Mc Arthur and Vinton County and is owned by the county. The paved runway extends for 3,850 feet. The facility is located about 5 miles from McArthur. Another local airport is operated by Ohio University near Albany. Port Columbus International Airport is approximately 75 miles away.
Health Care Clinics
Family Healthcare, Inc.
McArthur, OH
(740) 596-5249
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