I traveled to Chillicothe the other day with my Dad to tend to some business still related to my Mother's death. We took care of some cemetery arrangements.
While there we again visited The historic and haunted Cross Key's Tavern(did you miss reading it when I posted, check it out now then) for lunch. Across the street from the tavern is the courthouse. It's a beautiful building, as old small town courthouses tend to be. With a neat clock in the tower seen for a good distance away.
Chillicothe was named from Shawnee, Chalahgawtha meaning principal town. The town was plotted by Nathaniel Massie. It was the first and third capital of the state. It's the county seat, and is the largest city in the Ross County.
In ancient times, the Hopewell Indians inhabited the land. More recently, it was home to The Shawnee tribe. Chillicothe was the state's capital as it came into the union; from 1803-1810. For a brief year, the capital was moved to Zanesville; but in 1812 returned to Chillicothe. In 1816 the capital was moved to a more central location; Columbus.Chillicothe has a very rich and interesting history. A large and active underground Railroad area with many strong abolitionist in the area. It was home to a large Free Black Population as well. Famous people like Lucy Ware Webb, wife of President Hayes was born there. Camp Sherman with a huge history of it's own was in Chillicothe. Early pictures of Chillicothe show how important it was during the canal days. Then there's the haunted history of the famous Majestic Theatre, the hiking, fishing, the infamous fire.......but wait; those stories are for another time.
I encourage you all to take a day trip, travel to Chillicothe and enjoy yourselves. Tell em, Sandy sent ya.
