The Origins of Zane’s Trace

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – 2026 marks America’s 250th anniversary and a local organization has been holding historical seminars that recognize Muskingum County’s role in our nation’s development.

Muskingum County History Executive Director Larisa Harper announced a couple of events, here in February, that will discuss the blazing of Zane’s Trace as well as some of the influential residents who settled along it. 

“So the first event is about Zane’s Trace,” Harper said. “It will be held on Wednesday, February 19th, which is two days from today, at 5:30 p.m. Will be held at the National Road and Zane Grey Museum. And this will be about the book written by John Barr, he will be the presenter. He will show us all of the documents that he reviewed in his research to find out exactly where Zane’s Trace came through this area.”

Muskingum 250 is an initiative, which holds events that focus on local history, so that people will better understand the importance of the national anniversary, as well as the significance that our area has played since the beginning.

“So the second event is Wednesday, February 26th. And it is at 5:30 p.m. and it will be held at the Muskingum County Library Systems, Dresden Branch,” Harper said. “And we at that event will spotlight some different individuals, who you may not have heard about. First it will focus on Joshua McCarter Simpson. He was able to gain enough education to become a very prolific writer.”

Registration is not required for either event and both events are free. For more information, you can visit MuskingumCountyHistory.org for the event on the 19th, as well as MuskingumLibrary.org for the event on the 26th.