Morgan County Historical Society Museum

Morgan County Historical Society Museum

The Morgan County Historical Society Museum is a collection of artifacts and genealogical resources about Morgan County.

The Morgan County Historical Society Museum is a collection of artifacts and genealogical resources about Morgan County. The Museum features numerous exhibits including military history, civil war history, Morgan County life, and Native American artifacts.

Morgan County was created in 1817 and named after Virgina’s Revolutionary War hero Daniel Morgan. The county seat, McConnelsville was incorporated the same year on the lands of General Robert McConnel. The county prospered off the commerce of the Muskingum River and the lock and dam system completed in 1841. Despite decades of struggle with investors and taxpayers, a railroad was only built in the 1890’s connecting McConnelsville to Zanesville and Marietta. Morgan County was a prominent stop for travelers on the Underground Railroad, with lines ending at Putnam in Muskingum County.

Like other Southern Ohio counties during the Civil War, Morgan County saw action during Morgan’s Raid in 1863. Led by John Hunt Morgan, the raid was the northernmost campaign made by the Confederacy during the Civil War. Morgan crossed the Muskingum River at Eagleport in Morgan County and continued north into Guernsey County. While he caused little trouble in Morgan County, his presence was well known throughout the area and mobilized local militias.

Visitors to the Morgan County Historical Society Museum will see a different side of the Southeast Ohio region. In addition to the museum, the Historical Society operates other historical sites including the Doll House Museum, Evelyn True Button House, and Rock Hollow Schoolhouse, all of which are available for tours.

Notes for Travelers

Call ahead if you wish to take a guided tour; docents are not always available on site.

Credits