Zanesville

Zanesville is a county seat where the Licking and Muskingum rivers converge in eastern Ohio, with several bridges linking the sections along each bank. The town extends across both river shores and includes low hills as well as flat stretches near the water.

The land was granted in 1797 by Ebenezer Zane to John McIntire, who established a ferry crossing where Zane's Trace met the Muskingum. The settlement grew quickly into a county seat and briefly served as the capital of Ohio in the early 19th century.

The town name honors Ebenezer Zane, the road builder whose route crossed the river here and brought early settlers into the region. Today street names and public buildings still recall that founding era and the families who opened up the valley.

Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 40 cross here, linking the town to Columbus and other Midwest cities. Parking is available downtown and along main roads, and most facilities are within a short walk of each other.

The Y Bridge spans two rivers in three directions, allowing drivers to turn left or right while crossing over water. This design is rare in the United States and makes the structure a technical curiosity at the river junction.

Location: Muskingum County

Inception: 1797

Elevation above the sea: 206 m

Website: https://coz.org

GPS coordinates: 39.94610,-82.01220

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:40