Created in 1810 from Muskingum County, the word Coshocton is a derivative of an Indian word meaning, "union of waters". Coshocton was once the capital of the Delaware Indians. From 1795 to about 1812, the white settlers from the East moved into the area, causing inevitable conflicts and confrontations with the Native Americans. With the railroads' intrusion into Coshocton in the late 1860s, the Indians moved West along with the westbound settlers. Today, Coshocton is a thriving city with a revitalized Towne Centre and light-industrial businesses.
EVENTS
The DOGWOOD FESTIVAL is held in late April through early May at the Pomerene Fine Arts Center and Towne Centre.
The COSHOCTON COUNTY FAIR is held from late September through early October at the county fairgrounds in Coshocton.
ROSCOE VILLAGE
"...a living museum so that the people of the 20th Century and succeeding ones could enjoy a visit back to the 19th Century where aged brick buildings, hoop-skirted women, and quaint shops would bring the canal era back to life."
These words spoken by Coshocton industrialist Edward E. Montgomery provided the impetus for the restoration of Roscoe Village that began in 1968. More than two decades later, Roscoe Village would become the most outstanding restored canal town in Ohio--the dream of Mr. Montgomery and his wife Frances became a reality.
Roscoe was originally called Caldersburgh by its founder James Calder in 1816. In 1830, the state was petitioned to change the name to Roscoe in honor of William Roscoe, the famous English author and abolitionist of the time.
The beginning of the Ohio and Erie Canal in 1830 with a port in Roscoe opened the isolated interior of the state and transformed the backwoods settlement into a thriving port. During its heyday from 1830 to 1860, Roscoe was a thriving milling center known for its great wheat and wool exports. Homes and business sprang up along North Whitewoman Street, a translation from the Delaware word Walhonding.
The faster and more efficient railroads replaced the canals as the preferred means of transportation by the middle of the 19th Century. Roscoe's important canal port slowly decayed and the beautiful Greek Revival buildings rapidly deteriorated. The canal continued to operate until the Flood of 1913 which finally brought an end to the canal era.
Today, Roscoe Village has become an important historical destination. The June 1990 issue of Early American Life names Roscoe Village as one of the 20 best places to discover American history. As one of the few places in North America that specifically celebrates the life and times of the early and middle 19th Century, Roscoe Village strives to preserve and replicate a way of life in America at the dawn of the Industrial Revolution.
EVENTS
The sounds of American folk instruments fill the air during DULCIMER DAYS, held in mid-May. Exhibits, sales, and workshops are held, along with jam sessions and the Mid-Eastern Regional Dulcimer Championships.
Fun for all ages can be had at THE FAMILY FROLIC held in mid-June. This festival of fun and games offers games and activities for the young and young at heart.
The AMERICANA FESTIVAL in late July offers an outdoor antique and collectibles show and sale. Refreshments are available.
The COSHOCTON CANAL FESTIVAL is a three day celebration of parades, contests, and entertainment. This late August festival is highlighted by a corn roast, fiddlers' contest, and juried arts and crafts show.
Banjo and barbershop quartet music pays tribute to the turn-of-the-century during the GAY 1890s FESTIVAL held in late September.
Beautiful fall foliage accompanies the sweet smell of apples during the APPLE BUTTER STIRRIN' festival in late October. Highlights include such old-fashioned activities as cornhusking contests, spelling bees, a hog calling contest, and a pie baking contest. See the apples simmered in large copper kettles over open wood fires and enjoy the music, entertainment, and juried arts and crafts show.
CANDLELIGHTING CEREMONIES are held each Saturday preceding Christmas in December, when Roscoe Village is decorated in red ribbon, natural handmade wreaths, and twinkling lights. Hot-mulled cider, ginger cookies, and horse-drawn rides add to the festivities.
