 History
The settlement of Gallia County originated from a land speculation scheme. Congressman William Duer and his associates' private venture, the Scioto Company, received a land grant from Congress of 3.5 million acres in southern Ohio. In 1789, Duer sent a salesman to Europe to sell the lands. In Paris the agent and an Englishman teamed up to form the Campagnie du Scioto, which bought the Scioto Company's holdings and resold them to Frenchmen.
At that time, the French Revolution had begun. Many Royalists were eager to leave and were attracted by the company's false advertisements. Five hundred people, including noblemen, professionals and artisans, hastily set sail for their new homes in January 1790. When they arrived, the French émigrés learned the Scioto Company had failed to meet its contract with Congress, and the lands they had purchased were not theirs.
The Ohio Company of Associates, another land company, allowed the French to settle on its land while Maj. John Burnham traveled from Marietta to the future site of Gallipolis to construct four blockhouses and 96 log cabins. Thirty-six New England craftsmen spent a month building a village for the new arrivals, who moved in Oct. 17, 1790.
Frontier life was more difficult than some of the new settlers had anticipated. Fear of hostile Native Americans and poor survival skills forced many of the "French 500" to depart within two years. By 1807 about 20 of the French families remained. Settlers from Massachusetts and Virginia soon joined them, and together they formed a stable and prosperous community.
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Business Opportunities
Business Growth and Potential
Employers choosing Gallia County for projects enjoy several advantages ranging from a strong, skilled, available workforce to the community's commitment to make each business venture a success. The state of Ohio, a longtime leader in economic development, offers a special set of incentives to employers locating or expanding in the state's river crescent. Employers choosing Gallia County for business startups or relocation may reap additional benefits. For example, the Governor's Office of Appalachia funds economic development, training, travel and tourism and other initiatives.
Gallia County is situated close enough to U.S. Route 35 to provide easy access to three major interstates. In addition, its proximity to airports, railroads and water ports offers a variety of transportation options to meet the needs of most industries.
Major Employers
American Electric Power
Gallia County Local Board of Education
Gallipolis City Board of Education
GKN Sinter Metals
Holzer Clinic
Holzer Medical Center
Ohio Valley Electric Corporation
Rockwell
State of Ohio
University of Rio Grande
Wal-Mart Stores
Business Support Organizations
Gallia County Chamber of Commerce
16 State Street
P.O. Box 465
Gallipolis OH 45631
(740) 446-0596
Southeast Ohio Regional Council
University of Rio Grande, Msc-1003
Rio Grande OH 45631
(740) 682-7896
Community Improvement Corporation of Gallia County
16 State Street, P.O. Box 465
Gallipolis OH 45631
(740) 446-3662 or (888) 895-1700
e-mail:
Educational Opportunities Colleges and universities that serve county residents include: the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College, both in Rio Grande, Ohio; Marshall University; Huntington, West Virginia; and Ohio University, Athens, Ohio. In addition, the Buckeye Hills Career Center in Rio Grande offers diversified technical and industrial training programs.
Founded in 1876, Rio Grande University provides programs in over 60 fields of study including teacher education, business, nursing, and information technology. The community college, established in 1974, offers a variety of credit and non-credit programs.
The Madog Center for Welsh Studies at Rio Grande University is the home of the North American Association for the study of Welsh Culture and History. The mission of the center is to support the scholarly study of Welsh culture, history, arts, and humanities in North America and locally in the service area of the university.
Tourism and Lifestyle
Recreation
- Raccoon Creek County Park - This 700 acre park features picnic areas, six open-air shelters, hiking trails, athletic fields, and basketball and tennis courts. Natural and recreational areas afford visitors varied leisure experiences throughout the year.
- Symmes Creek & Morgan Sisters Trails: Wayne National Forest - These separate trails on either side of Symmes Creek are linked by a short connector path. They offer a variety of trail lengths; combined, they offer a fourteen-mile overnight hike.
- Tycoon Lake Wildlife Area - Providing fishing, upland and forest game and limited waterfowl hunting, its public use facilities include a boat ramp and parking area.
- Gallia County Hike and Bike Trail - Nearly eight miles of demonstration trail in two separate locations have been developed to date, with plans for a complete trail length of 28 miles. When finished, the trail will run from the Vinton County line to Kanauga.
- Crown City Wildlife Area - An 11,000+ acre located in Gallia and Lawrence counties has been opened for hunters, fishers, wildlife watchers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Abundant wildlife species include deer, turkey, grouse, rabbit, quail, and waterfowl as well as a variety of songbirds and raptors for the avid birder.
- Elizabeth Evans Waterfowl and Bird Sanctuary - This 66-acre wetland area is home to the black ducks, painted turtles, great blue herons and other species. It is used as a wildlife refuge, park and learning laboratory.
Attractions and Points of Interest
- Our House Museum - Built in 1819, a three story tavern constructed by Henry Cushing was the center of the community's social life. General Lafayette visited there on May 22, 1825 while on his triumphal tour of America.
- The Historic Ariel Theatre, home to the Ohio Valley Symphony, is a rare old opera house built in 1895. Restored in 1990, the Ariel received a Historic Preservation Office Preservation Merit Award in 1992 and Ohio Governor's Award in 1995.
- The Bandstand in the City Park - A focal point of not only the park but of the entire downtown. It was built in 1876 by the Sterlings, a father and his son, as a memorial to Gallia County Civil War Veterans.
- Bob Evans Farm -The Homestead Museum at the Bob Evans Farm in Rio Grande tells the story of the farm's founder and his family, and the history of Gallia County and southeastern Ohio. The museum is a popular attraction for families and schools, youth and chartered bus groups. Weekend events are also scheduled throughout the year. For more information, call (800) 994-3276 or visit www.bobevans.com.
- Bob Evans Farm Craft Barn is a reflection of the area's heritage and reputation for fine folk arts and skilled crafts. Stocked with unique items from more than 60 crafters and artisans, the Craft Barn attracts visitors from throughout the region.
- French Art Colony - The Greek revival building features a three story floating staircase, artful plaster moldings and beautiful antique chandeliers. The Art Colony is a regional multi arts center.
- John Gee Black Historical Center - The center was established as a cultural and educational center to ensure the preservation of tradition, culture, crafts, music and art of the black Americans in Southeastern Ohio.
- Silver Bridge Memorial - At the State Route 7 Rest Area is a memorial dedicated to the 46 who lost their lives in the 1967 collapse of the Silver Bridge. The bridge linked Gallipolis to Point Pleasant, West Virginia over the Ohio River.
- Fortification Hill - Adjoining Mound Hill Cemetery, this overlook of Gallipolis and the Ohio River Valley served as an emplacement of Union artillery in the Civil War.
- Pine Street Cemetery - This cemetery was established in the early 1800's. It contains some of the burial plots and antique monuments of the original French settlers.
Visitor Information
Convention & Visitors Bureaus
Gallia County Convention and Visitors Bureau
61 Court Street
Gallipolis, Ohio 45631
Phone: (740) 446-6882
Fax: (740) 446-7483
Toll-Free: (800) 765-6482
E-mail: info@visitgallia.com
Airports
Tri-State Airport
* 50 miles away
* Huntington, WV
* Commercial airlines: US Air, Delta
Yeager Airport
* 55 miles away
* Charleston, WV
Port Columbus International Airport
* 110 miles away
* Columbus, OH
* Almost 20 commercial airlines
Motor Coach Tours
For information on a customized group tour, call the Gallia County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 740-446-6882 or 800-765-6482 or visit its new location at 61 Court Street in historical downtown Gallipolis. Inquiries may be faxed to 740-446-7483 or emailed to: tours@visitgallia.com.
Hospitals and Clinics
Holzer Medical Center
100 Jackson Pike
Gallipolis OH 45631
740-446-5000
Holzer Clinic
90 Jackson Pike
Gallipolis OH 45631
740-446-5411 | |
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