Old Washington: National Road, Civil War, and Local History

Old Washington brings together its early local history, a Historic District, Civil War memorial sites, and the Guernsey County Fair. Local themes range from its founding along Zane’s Trace to a historic structure in the nearby area. When choosing a destination, you can weigh whether you are most interested in historic buildings, Civil War history, or the fair.

Founding and Historic Buildings

The large number of pre-Civil War buildings is why Old Washington is listed as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. The town’s history goes back further: George and Henry Beymer laid out Old Washington along Zane’s Trace in 1805. The founding and the district therefore represent different historical points of reference. The pre-Civil War buildings shape the district’s historical character; the town’s founding reaches back to an earlier era.

Civil War Memorial Sites

On July 24, 1863, General John Hunt Morgan arrived in Old Washington with his Confederate cavalry. The only Civil War engagement on the National Road in Ohio took place there. The date, location, and connection to the road belong to this specific event. Old Washington Cemetery overlooks the village below. The cemetery is home to the Civil War monument “Morgan’s Raid in Old Washington,” near the area where three Confederate soldiers are buried. Thus, the dated engagement and the remembrance of the fallen soldiers are clearly connected to the place.

The Heritage Trail in Old Washington and Guernsey County

The John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail provides a narrative account of historical events along the entire trail. The section in Guernsey County includes four interpretive markers: in Cumberland, Senecaville, Lore City, and Old Washington. One of the four markers is therefore located in the town. The number of markers and the places named refer to the county section; the narrative covers events along the entire trail. This makes it possible to distinguish the local connection from the broader regional perspective.

The Valley School at the Fairgrounds

Another way to explore local history is the Valley School at the Guernsey County Fairgrounds in Old Washington. The typical one-room schoolhouse was built around 1903 in Wills Township on County Home Road. Its former location and its current setting at the fairgrounds mark two different stages in its history. Mrs. Wilma Wigginton and a group of Guernsey County teachers saved the schoolhouse from demolition by moving it to the fairgrounds. The construction date, original location, and rescue each tell a different part of the building’s story: when it was built, where it came from, and how it was preserved.

The Fair and Events

The Guernsey County Fair takes place in Old Washington and is a tradition that has continued for nearly two centuries. Attractions include rides, live entertainment, livestock exhibitions and sales, and pie contests. The fair and entertainment sit alongside agricultural exhibitions and sales, while the pie contests add another, distinct feature.

The S Bridge and Regional Road Directions

Four miles east of Old Washington is the S Bridge. It was built in 1828 as part of the National Road, is a single-span stone bridge, is in poor condition, and is now used only for pedestrian traffic. Its construction date and design provide the historical context; its condition and pedestrian-only use are also important for planning a visit. Check access conditions before visiting. In Guernsey County, the National Road Tour in Ohio also follows two-lane paved roads and secondary roads. Check road conditions and signage before driving.

Discover more destinations: Quaker City, Cambridge.

Go to the main travel overview: Guernsey.