Pomeroy
Pomeroy is the county seat of Meigs County, Ohio. The first settler, probably Nathaniel Clark, arrived in 1816. The town was named for Samuel Wyllis Pomeroy, who was an early resident of the community. Although Meigs County was formed in 1819, Pomeroy did not become the county seat until 1841.
Today, Pomeroy has a population of about 2,000 residents which is less than half of the population during the glory days of coal and salt mining in the area during the late 1800s.
Pomeroy has several unique distinctions and appears twice in Ripley's Believe it or Not. The county courthouse in Pomeroy (built in 1845 - 1848) is set into the side of a cliff which means the 3 story courthouse offers a ground level entrance on each story. Also, Pomeroy is recognized for being the only community in the country that does not have a single four-way intersection.
Pomeroy's Famous Courthouse
Due to the hilly terrain, the Meigs County 3-story courthouse in Pomeroy is the only courthouse in America that has a ground-level entrance on every floor. When plans were being made to construct the courthouse, the county commissioners decided to save some money by purchasing a copy of the Scioto County Courthouse plans for $15. Total cost for the 1848 courthouse was $5,200. The Greek Revival courthouse has been extensively remodeled in 1877 by adding the flanking wings, spiral stairways and columns plus a 2 story portico.
Pomeroy is also recognized for being the only community in the country that does not have a single four-way intersection.
Special Events
GOLD WINGS & RIBS FESTIVAL: Each spring you'll find good food and motorcycles along Pomeroy's riverfront. The event is held the weekend following Memorial Day. The festival brings in some of the the most beautiful motorcycles made from all over the country as well as some of the best BBQ ribs you can find anywhere. Rib vendors vie for the title of "Ohio's Best Ribs" which is decided by peoples choice ballot. You'll find great live entertainment, good food and a bunch of fun at the Gold Wings and Ribs Festival, don't miss it...
STERNWHEEL RIVERFEST:The last weekend in September, Pomeroy is host to the Sternwheel Riverfest "Rally by the River." Sternwheelers and pleasure boaters from all over come to this 3 day festival. The festival opens with a unique parade of fire trucks that come from the around the area. Activities include live entertainment, parade, chili cook off, line throwing competition, a Sexy Men's Legs Contest, crafter's, food vendors, and children's activities.
The new 4-lane bridge connecting Pomeroy with Mason WV, is called the “Bridge of Honor” in memory of 3 local veterans who not only represented the finest qualities of Pomeroy / Middleport / Mason citizens, but also represents the finest qualities of all Americans who served our country in times of conflict. The specific veterans honored are Staff Sergeant Jimmie G. Stewart, of Mason, West Virginia, General James V. Hartinger of Middleport, and Corporal Edward A. Bennett, also of Middleport. Stewart and Bennett were Medal of Honor recipients, and Hartinger was a four-star general. The middle section of the old 1928 bridge was detonated and dropped into the Ohio River in April 2009. The above photograph shows a portion of the remaining spans still in place.
