MEIGS COUNTY — History buffs undoubtedly love the National Register of Historic Places, and in addition to learning the history from books and the Internet, locals also have the opportunity to experience some those places first-hand without planning a big vacation.
There are nine historic sites located around Meigs County listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which was established by the National Historic Preservation Act in 1966.
The first site in Meigs County added to the Register was Buffington Island, which was added on November 10, 1970. Buffington Island is located in the Lebanon Township, 20 miles southeast of Pomeroy.
Next was the Mound Cemetery Mound, added on May 2, 1974, and located in the Mound Cemetery North of Chester. Following this mound was another mound named Reeves Mound, added on July 15, 1974. Reeves Mound is located in the Orange Township, north of the town of Alfred.
The next addition to the Register from Meigs County was the Old Meigs County Courthouse and Chester Academy, which was added on June 30, 1975. An already well-known landmark among Meigs County residents, the old courthouse is located on State Route 248, in Chester.
The William H. Grant House, located at 453 Grant Street in Middleport, was added to the Register on March 30, 1978. This location was reportedly also known on certain websites as the Gerlach house, and is currently owned by Middleport Mayor and local history buff Mike Gerlach.
After the Gerlach House, several historical buildings were added to the Register as the Pomeroy Historical District. The Pomeroy Historical District reportedly includes Main Street and 2nd Street of downtown Pomeroy, and was added to the Register on November 14, 1978.
Next on the list was the Meigs County Fairgrounds Grandstand and Racetrack, added on November 29, 1982, and is located off Rocksprings Road in the Salisbury Township. Following the Grandstand was the Middleport Public Library, which was added on January 6, 1986, and is located at 178 South 3rd Avenue in Middleport.
Finally, the most recent addition to the Register on May 6, 1993, was the John Downing, Jr. House, located at 232 North 2nd Avenue in Middleport.
It was recently reported there is currently a proposal to expand the area of Buffington Island that will be listed in the Register and the decision is expected before the end of the year.
It was reported the National Register of Historic Places is an “official Federal list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture. National Register properties have significance to the history of their community state, or the nation.”
























