History of Belmont County, Ohio
Belmont County, Ohio, is a region rich in history, nestled in the southeastern part of the state along the Ohio River. Established in 1801, the county has played an essential role in the early development of Ohio and the United States. From its early days as a Native American territory to its significance during the industrial revolution, Belmont County has witnessed pivotal moments in U.S. history. Its vibrant communities, historical sites, and scenic landscapes make it a unique part of Ohio’s cultural fabric. Over the years, the county has evolved from farming communities to coal mining and steel-producing hubs.
Origins of Belmont County
Native American Presence and Early Exploration
Before European settlers arrived, the region that would become Belmont County was inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Shawnee, Delaware, and Wyandot. These tribes lived in the fertile Ohio River Valley and used its resources for hunting, fishing, and trade. Archaeological sites in the region suggest that the Native American presence in Belmont County dates back thousands of years, with various earthworks and burial mounds indicating a deep cultural and spiritual connection to the land.
The first European explorers in the region were French and British traders who ventured through the Ohio Valley in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. By the mid-18th century, settlers from the east began moving into the area, motivated by the promise of fertile land and access to the Ohio River, which was an essential trade route.
European Settlement and the Formation of Belmont County
In 1796, the Ohio River was officially mapped, and settlers began to pour into the region. The lands of what would become Belmont County were originally part of the larger Washington County, and as the population grew, the need for administrative divisions became clear. Belmont County was officially established on March 1, 1801, carved out from parts of Washington County and named after the French words for “beautiful mountain”—a reference to the stunning Appalachian foothills that define the county’s geography.
By the early 19th century, the county became a thriving agricultural area, with settlers cultivating crops such as corn, wheat, and tobacco. The Ohio River provided a significant transportation route for goods, making Belmont County an important player in the region’s economy.
Key Historical Events in Belmont County
The Civil War and Belmont County’s Role
Like much of Ohio, Belmont County played a significant role during the Civil War. Ohio was a Union state, and its strategic location on the border with the South made it a critical part of the Union war effort. Belmont County’s proximity to the Ohio River made it a significant site for transportation and supplies.
Though no major battles were fought within the county, Belmont County contributed troops to the Union Army, and the area was affected by the conflict. Residents of Belmont County experienced the tension and division between pro-Union and pro-South sentiments, though overall, the county remained firmly in support of the Union.
Additionally, the county became a significant supply route, with the Ohio River serving as a vital corridor for transporting supplies to Union forces. Several forts and military camps were established along the river in the surrounding area, and many soldiers passed through the county on their way to war.
The Industrial Boom: Coal, Steel, and the Rise of the Ohio River
The late 19th and early 20th centuries were a period of industrialization for Belmont County. The discovery of coal deposits in the region transformed the county’s economy. Coal mining became a dominant industry, and towns like Martins Ferry and Bridgeport grew rapidly as mining communities.
In addition to coal, Belmont County became a significant player in the steel industry, due to its proximity to the Ohio River and the burgeoning steel industry in nearby Pittsburgh. The steel mills and factories in the region provided jobs and fostered the growth of several small towns. Immigrants from Europe, particularly from Italy and Eastern Europe, arrived to work in the mines and mills, helping to diversify the population of the region.
By the early 1900s, Belmont County had become one of Ohio’s most important industrial regions, with a thriving coal and steel industry driving economic growth. The railroad also played a critical role, helping to transport coal and steel to major urban centers, further solidifying Belmont County’s place in the nation’s industrial heartland.
The Decline of Industry and Economic Shifts
Following World War II, however, Belmont County, like many industrial regions in the U.S., experienced the decline of the coal and steel industries. Mechanization and the shift toward oil and natural gas led to a decline in coal mining, while global competition and automation hurt the steel industry. By the 1970s, many of the county’s factories and coal mines had closed, leading to significant job losses and a decrease in economic activity.
Today, Belmont County is working to diversify its economy, focusing on sectors such as healthcare, education, and tourism, while still maintaining its historical roots in coal mining and steel production. The community has also worked to revitalize the region’s natural resources and outdoor attractions, tapping into the tourism industry, particularly in the Ohio River Valley.
Historical Sites in Belmont County
The Belmont County Heritage Museum
Overview:
Located in St. Clairsville, the Belmont County Heritage Museum offers a rich look into the history of the region, showcasing everything from the county’s agricultural past to its industrial heritage. Exhibits include artifacts related to coal mining, the Civil War, local architecture, and the county’s early settlers.
Location:
Belmont County Heritage Museum, 101 North Market Street, St. Clairsville, OH 43950
Ticket Price:
Free (Donations Accepted)
Parking Information:
There is ample free parking in the public parking lot behind the museum.
The National Road (U.S. Route 40)
Overview:
The National Road, known today as U.S. Route 40, was America’s first federally funded interstate highway, and it passed through Belmont County. The National Road was essential in connecting the Eastern United States with the West and played a critical role in the westward expansion. Along the route, you can see historic landmarks, including inns, bridges, and markers that reflect the era of pioneering transportation.
Location:
Various locations along U.S. Route 40, through Belmont County
Ticket Price:
Free
Parking Information:
Parking is available at various historical markers along the route.
The Wheeling Suspension Bridge
Overview:
While the Wheeling Suspension Bridge is located in nearby Wheeling, West Virginia, it has direct historical ties to Belmont County. Completed in 1849, this bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time and was a key link between Ohio and West Virginia. Its construction spurred economic development in the area, including the growth of towns in Belmont County.
Location:
Wheeling, WV, near the Ohio River (just across the river from Belmont County)
Ticket Price:
Free
Parking Information:
Free public parking is available near the bridge.
The Old Bellaire Bridge
Overview:
The Old Bellaire Bridge is a historic bridge that crosses the Ohio River, linking Belmont County with Bellaire, Ohio, and West Virginia. The bridge, built in 1926, is a notable example of early 20th-century bridge engineering and was a critical transportation route for coal and steel industries in the region.
Location:
Bellaire, Ohio, spanning the Ohio River
Ticket Price:
Free (Viewing only)
Parking Information:
Parking is available near the bridge in Bellaire, Ohio.
County Facts
Geography and Climate
Belmont County is located in southeastern Ohio, bordering the Ohio River. The county’s landscape is characterized by rolling hills, lush river valleys, and forests. It is part of the Appalachian foothills, which gives the area a scenic beauty that has been preserved over the centuries. The Ohio River forms the county’s western border, providing access to transportation routes that have historically played a vital role in the region’s economy.
The climate in Belmont County is classified as humid continental, with cold winters and warm, humid summers. The average winter temperature hovers around 30°F, with occasional snowfall. Summers can be hot and humid, with average temperatures around 80°F, and thunderstorms are common in the warmer months.
- Year Founded: 1801
- County Seat: St. Clairsville
- Population: Approximately 70,000
- Population Density: 210 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: St. Clairsville, Martins Ferry, Bellaire
- Major Highways: U.S. Route 40, U.S. Route 70, Interstate 70
- Adjacent Counties: Jefferson, Harrison, Monroe, Ohio (WV), Brooke (WV)
