History
Athens County, established in March 1805, possesses a uniquely rich heritage. Native American burial and ceremonial mounds comprise some of the oldest historical sites in Athens County. Most of these are located in The Plains, which was a religious center and burial ground for the Adena people.
Salt and coal exports were the county's most lucrative industries for about 50 years. The village of Chauncey was built because of its close proximity to several salt works. Other towns, such as Salina, also sprang up because of the salt industry and became thriving communities. Furnaces, coal mines, grist mills, loading docks, and other businesses opened up in these small towns. The salt industry boomed until after the Civil War, when other areas began to compete with Athens County in the salt market.
The Hocking Canal came to Nelsonville in 1842 and to Athens the following year. Salt, coal, pork products, wool, and lumber were shipped out, and furniture and iron products were brought into the county via the canal. But floods, faster railroad transportation, winter ice, and other disadvantages closed the canal for good in 1890, when the waterway stopped serving Nelsonville.
The first train reached Athens in 1857 on the Cincinnati and Marietta Railroad. The rail system quickly became a major method of transportation for area residents while shipping coal, metal, iron ore, and agricultural products out of Athens County.
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Business Opportunities Athens County's natural beauty, a readily available workforce, and easy access provide excellent opportunities for interested businesses.
Business Growth
Athens County is home to many great business opportunities, and local entrepreneurs are taking advantage of them. Between 2003 and 2007, the county saw 571 business start-ups, making a total of 1,042 active business in 2007.
Major Employers
Alexander Local Board of Education
Athens City Board of Education
Athens County Government
Diagnostic Hybrids, Inc.
ED MAP, Inc.
Federal Hocking Local Board of Education
Hocking College
Nelsonville-York City Board of Education
O'Bleness Memorial Hospital
Ohio University
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Business Potential
Tourism-related and manufacturing businesses are ideal for Athens County. Hocking College offers an excellent hospitality training program, and there is a strong labor pool available for factory work.
Natural Resources
The beautiful environment, numerous parks and large number of outdoor recreation opportunities offer strong support to the local tourism industry. Examples include:
Educational Resources
Both Ohio University and Hocking College have strong economic development programs and respected hospitality education and training resources.
Business Organizations and Initiatives
The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce is the primary organization responsible for business development in Athens County. Both Ohio University and Hocking College have a hand in local development in addition to educating students. The Port Authority offers an industrial site.
Athens Area Chamber of Commerce
449 E. State Street
Suite 1, Second Floor
Athens OH 45701
(740) 594-2251
Athens County Economic Development Council
340 W. State Street Unit 26
Athens OH 45701
(740) 597-1420
Nelsonville Area Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 276
Nelsonville OH 45764
(740) 753-4346
Eastern Ohio Development Alliance
P.O. Box 904
Cambridge OH 43725
(740) 432-7902
Convention Facilities
High-Speed Internet Access
High-speed Internet access is slowly becoming available in this region.
Tourism and Lifestyle The county's natural beauty, recreational resources, and excellent access make tourism a natural. Residents enjoy a rural-cosmopolitan lifestyle, taking advantage of the many cultural events in the area and combining them with a rural setting.
Top Five Spots to Visit
AirportsVisitor Services
Athens County Convention and Visitors Bureau
667 East State Street
Athens, OH 45701
(740) 592-1819
(800) 878-9767
palost@athensohio.com
Travel Agents
AAA Travel
Athens, Ohio
(740) 593-6677
Hocking Hills Travel
Nelsonville, Ohio
(800) 824-3598
Hospitals
Doctors Hospital
Nelsonville, Ohio
(740) 753-1931
O'Bleness Memorial Hospital
Athens, Ohio
(740) 593-5551 |