Athens County History Page

Athens County was setteled primarily by New Englander looking for inexpensive land. The early pioneers of Athens County were farmers and trappers. The area's rich natural resources were soon discovered, and Athens County grew into one of the biggest coal and iron-ore producers in the region.

As those resources diminished and mines closed, Athens Countians have looked towards other means of support. Today, more than 40 business markets their products globally. Due largely to the presence of Ohio University, Athens County is a center for research and development companies which are designing the technology of tomorrow.

Other natural resourceds have taken their place in supporting the county's economy. Athens County is also internationally renown as a haven for artists. More than 300 talented artists and craftspersons make their homes in Athens County, producing unique works that may be found in many area shops and galleries.

Do you know the History of Athens County?

If you are interested in more about the history of Athens County, wee recommend the following books.

< General information about Athens County >

Getting to know Athens County (M. S. Stone & E. G. Beatty)
History of Athens County (C. M. Walker)
History of Hocking Valley
Atlas of Athens County, Ohio (S. Titus & Titus)
The Centennial Atlas of Athens County, Ohio

< Specific interest>

Albany, Ohio: The First Fifty Years of a Rural Midwestern Community (I. M. Tribe)
History of Coolville, Ohio (A. Hill)
Littel Cities of Black Diamonds: Urban Dev. in the Hocking Coal Region (I. M. Tribe)
Sprinkled with Coal Dust: Life and Work in the Hocking Coal Region (I. M. Tribe)
An Archeological History of the Hocking Valley (J. Murphy)

These books are available in both Athens County Historical society & Museum and Archives and Special Collections in Alden Library at Ohio University. All books are recommended by the Director, Athens County Historical society & Museum, Ms. J. Prisley.

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