Chillicothe: Where Ohio Began
250 Years of Home in Ohio
Chillicothe was the first — and later the third — capital of Ohio. It is where Ohio’s story began, laying the foundation for the state’s government, laws and identity.
Following the establishment of the Northwest Territory, Ohio experienced significant European settlement. In 1796, Chillicothe was laid out along the Scioto River and quickly became the center of political life in the territory. In 1800, it was named the capital of the Northwest Territory. As Ohio moved toward statehood, the city hosted the Ohio Constitutional Convention in 1802. When Ohio became the 17th state in the nation in 1803, Chillicothe served as its capital from 1803 to 1810 and again from 1812 to 1816 before the seat of government was permanently moved to Columbus.
Although Ohio’s capital relocated, Chillicothe continued to grow and prosper. Built on a strong agricultural foundation, the city evolved into an important industrial center. The completion of the Ohio and Erie Canal in 1831 connected Chillicothe to the manufacturing economy of the Great Lakes region and provided access to markets on the East Coast. The arrival of the railroad in 1852 further expanded economic opportunities, bringing new residents, businesses and investment to the area.
The city's growth was fueled by a diverse population. Settlers arrived from the East Coast and Germany, while free Black Americans and freedom seekers crossing the Ohio River also helped shape the region. Southerners settled throughout southern Ohio, creating a mix of cultures and traditions that influenced Chillicothe’s development and character.
During World War I, local leaders recognized the economic opportunity a military training camp could bring to the area and successfully advocated for the establishment of Camp Sherman. The project employed more than 14,000 workers, and by the end of the war, over 123,500 soldiers had trained there.
The arrival of thousands of workers and military personnel transformed Chillicothe almost overnight. The population surged from approximately 16,000 to 60,000 people, sparking a wave of construction that included new homes, businesses and community infrastructure.
Nestled in the foothills of Appalachia, Chillicothe is home to more than 2,000 years of history. Today, it remains a center for manufacturing, particularly in the paper industry. From its role as Ohio’s first capital to its growth as an industrial hub, Chillicothe reflects the story of home in Ohio—how communities are built, shaped by generations of residents and sustained by a strong sense of place.
