History
Noble County, founded in 1851, is Ohio's youngest county. Tales of nostalgia, amusement and tragedy accompany its historical sites.
One of the county's historical places is "North America's first oil well." In 1814 Silas Thorla and Robert McKee struck oil while drilling for salt where deer were known to lick. The oil and natural gas were a nuisance at first, but the pair bottled the oil and sold it as "Seneca Oil" for tonic. In 1859, when oil refinery was perfected, it was used for lamp and heating oil.
The Bellaire, Zanesville and Cincinnati Railroad stretched from Bellaire to Zanesville via Woodsfield, Caldwell and Cambridge. The last spike to connect the east and west section was driven in 1883 in Caldwell, Noble's county seat. Its track was a narrow gauge - only 36 inches wide. This was to better traverse the hilly terrain of Southeast Ohio. The B.Z. and C., better known as the "Bent, Zigzag and Crooked," made its last run in 1931.
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Business Opportunities Noble County offers more business opportunities than are immediately apparent. The county is building a new industrial park to go along with the excellent financial services available in downtown Caldwell. The local workforce is hard working and the county's crime rate is very low. There is good access throughout Noble, with I-77 going right through the middle of the county. Once established, employer and employee alike will enjoy the low cost of living.
Business Growth
Several new, small businesses and chain outlets have recently opened in Noble County. Opportunities remain for high-speed Internet providers, high-quality restaurants and warehouse distribution centers.
Major Employers
Dana Glacier Vandervell
Noble Correctional Institute
Caldwell Exempted Village Board of Education
FW Grocery Co
Noble County Government
Packaging Dynamics / International Converters
State of Ohio
Summit Acres
Educational Resources
- Muskingum College - New Concord
- Muskingum Tech and Ohio University in Zanesville
- Washington State Community College - Marietta
- Ohio University Eastern and Belmont Tech - St. Clairsville
Business Organizations and Initiatives
Convention Facilities
The Best Western Caldwell Inn can accommodate meetings and groups of 50 to 75 people in its banquet room. The Friendship Village in Summerfield also has conference facilities that accomodate groups of various sizes.
High-Speed Internet Access
High-speed Internet access is not yet widely available in Noble County.
Tourism and Lifestyle Noble County offers a strong mix of interesting country stores, beautiful parks and historical sites. Residents and visitors can go antiquing at Dexter City Antiques mall or at Ye Olde Barn Antiques, and get in touch with nature at Wolf Run Lake State Park or at Seneca Lake. They can discover the past by visiting the Big Muskie Bucket and Miner's Memorial or by attending the annual Soakum Festival at Heritage Park.
Top Five Spots to Visit
Top Five Events to Attend
- Soakum Festival
- Art on the Square
- Noble County Fair
- Caldwell Fireman's Festival and Parade
- Trader Days Flea Market and Backwoods Celebration
Historic Spots
- First oil well in North America
- Big Muskie Bucket and Miner's Memorial
- The Soakum Festival
- Site of the 1925 rigid airship U.S.S. Shenandoah crash
Famous Citizens
- Woody Hayes, Ohio State football coach
- John Gray, last survivor of the American Revolutionary War
- Johnny Appleseed
Airports
Brienza Field - Noble County Airport
(614) 732-4433
Visitor Services
Noble County Tourism
PO Box 185
Caldwell OH 43724
(740) 732-2191
Travel Agents
Best Western Caldwell Inn
(866) 288-2577
Car Rentals
Worl Thompson Motors
(740) 732-5616
Health Clinics
Caldwell Clinic
(740) 732-2339
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