Nelsonville, Ohio
Encyclopedia
Nelsonville is a city in northwestern Athens County
, Ohio
, United States
. The population was 5,230 at the 2000 census. Hocking College
is located in Nelsonville.
; Monday Creek
flows through the eastern part of the city. One of the main streets, Canal Street, is located on top of where the old Hocking Canal
once ran.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 5 square miles (12.9 km²), all of it land.
Nelsonville is located on U.S. Route 33
. Currently, a bypass is being constructed for the city.
of 2000, there were 5,230 people, 2,036 households, and 1,060 families residing in the city. The population density
was 1,051.9 people per square mile (406.3/km²). There were 2,273 housing units at an average density of 457.2 per square mile (176.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.22% White, 2.39% African American, 0.48% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.25% from other races
, and 1.30% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.24% of the population.
There were 2,036 households out of which 23.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 33.4% were married couples
living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 47.9% were non-families. 32.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.87.
In the city the population was spread out with 18.5% under the age of 18, 28.7% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 16.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females there were 112.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 114.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $20,634, and the median income for a family was $27,122. Males had a median income of $26,875 versus $16,509 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $11,552. About 22.9% of families and 33.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 41.5% of those under age 18 and 16.9% of those age 65 or over.
. They are also served by the Athens County Public Libraries
with branches in Albany
, Athens
, Chauncey
, Coolville
, Glouster
, Nelsonville, and The Plains
.
Nelsonville blossomed into a classic Appalachian town by the mid-19th century, relying on the extractive industries of coal, clay and salt. Like many large mining towns, Nelsonville was home to a large hotel, The Dew House, and a thriving theater, Stuart's Opera House, both located on the Public Square. The large amount of coal extracted from the Nelsonville area earned Nelsonville the nickname "Little City of Black Diamonds."
Recent years have brought a revival of sorts to Nelsonville, capturing its artistic spirit in an effort to restore the Public Square into an Arts District. Most recently, Nelsonville was admitted into the national Main Street Program
, and named a Preserve America Community
. The central business district has also been placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and both the Dew House and Stuart's Opera House have been listed separately. Nelsonville is best known for producing Star Brick, and you will see these striking bricks lining the sidewalks throughout the historic district.
Nelsonville owes its existence to the coal mining
industry. In more recent years, its main industrial base was the Rocky Shoes & Boots factory, which has since moved out of the country, but continues to maintain the new Rocky Gear Store, set in the recently renovated, original factory next to Rocky Brands
corporate offices. Another important employer is Hocking College
. Other major employers in Nelsonville include: Tri-County Vocational School, EDMAP (an online book delivery company), Doctors Hospital Nelsonville, Nelsonville-York City Schools, Hocking Correctional Facility, Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail, Hocking Valley Residential Center, and SEPTA Center.
Nelsonville is organized around a public square, where, every month, a "Final Friday" celebration is held, with vendors, art show openings, and often shows at the recently-renovated Stuart's Opera House, an old theater from the 19th century. The Public Square is a vibrant, historic downtown and is filled with dozens of art galleries, and unique eating establishments.
The main commercial district is centered on the Canal Street strip that runs from the eastern to western corporation limits. Much development has occurred on Canal Street over the past decade.
began as part of the historic Hocking Valley Railway
in the early 1870s. Today, the railway offers scenic excursions from Nelsonville to Logan
, traversing the Hocking Hills
. Known for their specialty trains, the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway hosts thousands of passengers each year. Seasonal train rides include: Easter Train, Robbery Trains, North Pole Express, Fall Foliage Trips, Haunted Hills Train, Santa Train, Caboose Train, Great Hocking Valley Train Pull and wine trains. During World War II, the original Hocking Valley Railroad ran 138 steam locomotives, 70 passenger cars and 15,000 freight cars along 340 route-miles of track. Today, the trains of the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway again pull out of Nelsonville, for pleasure this time, to take passengers on leisurely glides through beautiful, historic Southeastern Ohio.
Two train rides depart from the railroad depot at U.S. Rt. 33 and the Hocking Parkway Drive on Saturdays and Sundays, Memorial Day Weekend through the end of October, in addition to the seasonal train rides. The Nelsonville Yards was once the busiest railroad yard in the entire state of Ohio.
Stuart's Opera House, built in 1879, is one of Ohio's last remaining fully operating opera houses, and is located in Nelsonville's Historic Square Arts District. Stuart's hosts over 75 events a year including: concerts, plays, films, art and more. Several theater groups perform at Stuart's, including the local Athenian Berean Community (ABC) Players.
The Dew Hotel is also located on the Historic Public Square. The former hotel is famous for its balcony where presidents Taft, McKinley, Harding and Roosevelt all campaigned.
Nelsonville's Historic Square Arts District, also known as the Public Square, is a thriving art-lovers paradise. Nelsonville's Historic Square, adorned with their classic Star Bricks, is home to over a dozen retail shops and restaurants and some of the most unique products Ohio has to offer. Many shops offer classes or workshops to help you find your inner artist. A fountain at the center of the Public Square is an iconic landmark.
Rocky Brands, Inc.
was founded in Nelsonville in 1932 and the corporate headquarters are still located in the city. The former shoe factory now serves as the Rocky Outdoor Gear Store, and features three floors of outerwear, clothing, home interiors, specialty food products and boots.
The Nelsonville Cross was erected on Kontner's Hill in April, 1973. It is a Memorial Cross to Mrs. Elizabeth Smith Schwartz by her husband Mr. Walter L. Schwartz. The body of the cross is 4 feet by 4 feet, the cross arm is 25 feet in length and the body is 65 feet tall, anchored to a base of concrete which rises 8 feet above the hilltop. Manufactured of metal of special composition which includes steel and aluminum, it bears a porcelain white color. Newspapers in all parts of America and Europe have carried photographs of it as the "World's Largest Metal Cross", illuminated by mercury lights during the nights. Nelsonville has received much publicity from its location.
Hocking College
provides several tourist opportunities in Nelsonville. The most popular stop at Hocking is Robins Crossing, a restored pioneer village located on both the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
train route and the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway. This collection of restored log cabins showcases pioneer life, and includes a general store, school house, and a blacksmith's shop. During the warm season, you can find demonstrations at Robins Crossing on most Saturdays and Sundays, and the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
makes a special stop for passengers to experience the village. Hocking College
also is home to Hocking Woods Nature Center where visitors can learn about wild animals.
The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway, an 18 miles (29 km) long bicycle path
, connects Nelsonville with the county seat of Athens
. The Nelsonville portion of the bikeway runs from the Inn at Hocking College to the Rocky Outdoor Gear Store. It is designed for walking, running, biking, cross-country skiing, skating, and wheelchairs.
The Brick Kiln Park is located on the grounds of the former Nelsonville Brick Company. In the 19th century, the Hocking Valley was well known for its abundance of rich deposits of natural resources. The clay that laid beneath the ground was superior in quality. Numerous brick companies began to pop up after the iron furnaces went out of blast. One of the first to emerge was the Nelsonville Brick Company. In 1877, the Nelsonville Brick Company began their extensive operation. The Nelsonville Block, Hallwood Block, Hocking Block, and the Star Brick were all manufactured by them. In 1880, more kilns and stacks were constructed as an expansion. Nearly twenty-five million blocks and bricks were manufactured each year to keep up with the high demand. The railroads stayed busy transporting their products throughout the Midwest. The blocks and bricks manufactured in Nelsonville were very popular. One of them in particular was known as the king of all pavers, the Nelsonville Block. The salt glazed surface not only made it watertight, it also gave it a distinct and attractive finish. In 1904, the Nelsonville Block won first prize at the World's Fair in St. Louis. The Great Depression, combined with the use of concrete, led to the demise of the Nelsonville Brick Company. In 1937, the plant closed down. Although the main plant is gone, a few kilns and stacks, which were part of the expansion in 1880, still remain. An effort is underway to save the remaining kilns and stacks.
The Wayne National Forest
, the only national forest in Ohio, surrounds the city. The forest headquarters are located just outside the city limits on US Route 33, overlooking the Hocking River
. It includes Ohio's largest collection of ATV trails. Tourist activities include: hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, ATV riding, and bird watching.
, who is best known for her portrayal of Carrie Bradshaw
on HBO's Sex and the City
. Nelsonville is also the setting of the 1985 film "Mischief"
starring Kelly Preston
, and a few scenes were shot there.
Nelsonville is also the burial place of former Major League Baseball
player Estel Crabtree
.
Athens County, Ohio
As of the census of 2000, there were 62,223 people, 22,501 households, and 12,713 families residing in the county. The population density was 123 people per square mile . There were 24,901 housing units at an average density of 49 per square mile...
, Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 5,230 at the 2000 census. Hocking College
Hocking College
Hocking College, a technical college located in Nelsonville, Ohio, in the Appalachian region of the United States offers a wide selection of curriculum, with 56 associate degree programs, as well as several certification programs.- Mission :...
is located in Nelsonville.
Geography
Nelsonville is located at 39°27′19"N 82°13′32"W (39.455167, -82.225650), along the Hocking RiverHocking River
The Hocking River is a tributary of the Ohio River in southeastern Ohio in the United States.The Hocking flows mostly on the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau, but its headwaters are in a glaciated region...
; Monday Creek
Monday Creek
Monday Creek is a tributary of the Hocking River, 27 miles long, in southeastern Ohio in the United States. Via the Hocking and Ohio Rivers, it is part of the watershed of the Mississippi River, draining an area of 116 square miles on the unglaciated portion of the Allegheny Plateau...
flows through the eastern part of the city. One of the main streets, Canal Street, is located on top of where the old Hocking Canal
Hocking Canal
The Hocking Canal was a small 19th Century canal in southern Ohio that once linked Athens to Lancaster and the Ohio and Erie Canal, but was destroyed by flooding and never rebuilt...
once ran.
According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 5 square miles (12.9 km²), all of it land.
Nelsonville is located on U.S. Route 33
U.S. Route 33
U.S. Route 33 is a United States federal highway that runs northwest-southeast for 709 miles from northern Indiana to Richmond, Virginia, passing through Ohio and West Virginia en route. Although most odd-numbered U.S...
. Currently, a bypass is being constructed for the city.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 5,230 people, 2,036 households, and 1,060 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,051.9 people per square mile (406.3/km²). There were 2,273 housing units at an average density of 457.2 per square mile (176.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.22% White, 2.39% African American, 0.48% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.25% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.30% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.24% of the population.
There were 2,036 households out of which 23.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 33.4% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 47.9% were non-families. 32.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.87.
In the city the population was spread out with 18.5% under the age of 18, 28.7% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 16.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females there were 112.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 114.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $20,634, and the median income for a family was $27,122. Males had a median income of $26,875 versus $16,509 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $11,552. About 22.9% of families and 33.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 41.5% of those under age 18 and 16.9% of those age 65 or over.
Public services
The residents of Nelsonville are served by the Nelsonville-York City School District and Nelsonville-York High SchoolNelsonville-York High School
Nelsonville-York High School is a public high school in Nelsonville, Ohio, a southeastern Ohio city in northern Athens County. It is the only high school in the Nelsonville-York City School District. Nelsonville-York City Schools serve York Township, Athens County in northern Athens County,...
. They are also served by the Athens County Public Libraries
Athens County Public Libraries
The Athens County Public Libraries were originally known as the Nelsonville Public Library. The original facility in Nelsonville was created in 1935 as an outgrowth of the Nelsonville school system.The library system has an inventory of about 300,000 items...
with branches in Albany
Albany, Ohio
Albany is a village in Athens County, Ohio, United States. The population was 808 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Albany is located at ....
, Athens
Athens, Ohio
Athens is the largest city in, and the county seat of, Athens County, Ohio, United States. It is located along the Hocking River in the southeastern part of Ohio. A historic college town, Athens is home to Ohio University and is the principal city of the Athens, Ohio Micropolitan Statistical Area. ...
, Chauncey
Chauncey, Ohio
Chauncey is a village in Athens County, Ohio, United States. The population was 1,067 at the 2000 census. The local residents pronounce the village name...
, Coolville
Coolville, Ohio
Not to be confused with Coolsville, Ohio, a fictional city in the cartoon series Scooby Doo.Coolville is a village located in Troy Township, Athens County, Ohio, United States, in the extreme southeast of the state...
, Glouster
Glouster, Ohio
Glouster is a village in Athens County, Ohio, United States. The population was 1,972 at the 2000 census. It is close to Burr Oak State Park.-History:...
, Nelsonville, and The Plains
The Plains, Ohio
The Plains is a census-designated place in Athens County, Ohio, United States. The population was 2,931 at the 2000 census.-Geography:The Plains is located at ....
.
History and culture
First settled in 1814 by the Daniel Nelson family, Nelsonville was incorporated in 1838 with Charles Cable as its first mayor.Nelsonville blossomed into a classic Appalachian town by the mid-19th century, relying on the extractive industries of coal, clay and salt. Like many large mining towns, Nelsonville was home to a large hotel, The Dew House, and a thriving theater, Stuart's Opera House, both located on the Public Square. The large amount of coal extracted from the Nelsonville area earned Nelsonville the nickname "Little City of Black Diamonds."
Recent years have brought a revival of sorts to Nelsonville, capturing its artistic spirit in an effort to restore the Public Square into an Arts District. Most recently, Nelsonville was admitted into the national Main Street Program
Main Street Programs in the United States
Over the past several decades a national movement of Main Street Programs has emerged. These may be statewide or regional "coordinating programs" or "local programs." Programs determined to be "Designated" follow best-practices established by the National Main Street Center and/or statewide or...
, and named a Preserve America Community
Preserve America
Preserve America is a United States government program, established under President George W. Bush, intended to encourage and support community efforts to preserve and enjoy the country's cultural and natural heritage....
. The central business district has also been placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and both the Dew House and Stuart's Opera House have been listed separately. Nelsonville is best known for producing Star Brick, and you will see these striking bricks lining the sidewalks throughout the historic district.
Nelsonville owes its existence to the coal mining
Coal mining
The goal of coal mining is to obtain coal from the ground. Coal is valued for its energy content, and since the 1880s has been widely used to generate electricity. Steel and cement industries use coal as a fuel for extraction of iron from iron ore and for cement production. In the United States,...
industry. In more recent years, its main industrial base was the Rocky Shoes & Boots factory, which has since moved out of the country, but continues to maintain the new Rocky Gear Store, set in the recently renovated, original factory next to Rocky Brands
Rocky Brands, Inc.
Rocky Brands, Inc. , formerly known as Rocky Shoes & Boots, Inc., is a footwear and apparel manufacturer. The company was founded in 1932 in Nelsonville, Ohio and still maintains its corporate headquarters there. Rocky Brands includes, Rocky, Georgia Boot, Giant by Georgia and Durango...
corporate offices. Another important employer is Hocking College
Hocking College
Hocking College, a technical college located in Nelsonville, Ohio, in the Appalachian region of the United States offers a wide selection of curriculum, with 56 associate degree programs, as well as several certification programs.- Mission :...
. Other major employers in Nelsonville include: Tri-County Vocational School, EDMAP (an online book delivery company), Doctors Hospital Nelsonville, Nelsonville-York City Schools, Hocking Correctional Facility, Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail, Hocking Valley Residential Center, and SEPTA Center.
Nelsonville is organized around a public square, where, every month, a "Final Friday" celebration is held, with vendors, art show openings, and often shows at the recently-renovated Stuart's Opera House, an old theater from the 19th century. The Public Square is a vibrant, historic downtown and is filled with dozens of art galleries, and unique eating establishments.
The main commercial district is centered on the Canal Street strip that runs from the eastern to western corporation limits. Much development has occurred on Canal Street over the past decade.
Tourism
The Hocking Valley Scenic RailwayHocking Valley Scenic Railway
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is a non-profit, volunteer-operated tourist railroad located in Nelsonville, Athens County, Ohio.The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is a nonprofit tourist attraction that operates out of Nelsonville, Ohio. It uses former trackage of the C&O Railroad, which was...
began as part of the historic Hocking Valley Railway
Hocking Valley Railway
The Hocking Valley Railway was a railroad in the U.S. state of Ohio, with a main line from Toledo to Athens and Pomeroy via Columbus. It also had several branches to the coal mines of the Hocking Valley near Athens...
in the early 1870s. Today, the railway offers scenic excursions from Nelsonville to Logan
Logan, Ohio
As of the census of 2000, there were 6,704 people, 2,790 households, and 1,768 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,175.2 people per square mile . There were 2,948 housing units at an average density of 956.5 per square mile...
, traversing the Hocking Hills
Hocking Hills
The Hocking Hills is a deeply dissected area of the Allegheny Plateau in Ohio, primarily in Hocking County, that features cliffs, gorges, rock shelters, and waterfalls...
. Known for their specialty trains, the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway hosts thousands of passengers each year. Seasonal train rides include: Easter Train, Robbery Trains, North Pole Express, Fall Foliage Trips, Haunted Hills Train, Santa Train, Caboose Train, Great Hocking Valley Train Pull and wine trains. During World War II, the original Hocking Valley Railroad ran 138 steam locomotives, 70 passenger cars and 15,000 freight cars along 340 route-miles of track. Today, the trains of the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway again pull out of Nelsonville, for pleasure this time, to take passengers on leisurely glides through beautiful, historic Southeastern Ohio.
Two train rides depart from the railroad depot at U.S. Rt. 33 and the Hocking Parkway Drive on Saturdays and Sundays, Memorial Day Weekend through the end of October, in addition to the seasonal train rides. The Nelsonville Yards was once the busiest railroad yard in the entire state of Ohio.
Stuart's Opera House, built in 1879, is one of Ohio's last remaining fully operating opera houses, and is located in Nelsonville's Historic Square Arts District. Stuart's hosts over 75 events a year including: concerts, plays, films, art and more. Several theater groups perform at Stuart's, including the local Athenian Berean Community (ABC) Players.
The Dew Hotel is also located on the Historic Public Square. The former hotel is famous for its balcony where presidents Taft, McKinley, Harding and Roosevelt all campaigned.
Nelsonville's Historic Square Arts District, also known as the Public Square, is a thriving art-lovers paradise. Nelsonville's Historic Square, adorned with their classic Star Bricks, is home to over a dozen retail shops and restaurants and some of the most unique products Ohio has to offer. Many shops offer classes or workshops to help you find your inner artist. A fountain at the center of the Public Square is an iconic landmark.
Rocky Brands, Inc.
Rocky Brands, Inc.
Rocky Brands, Inc. , formerly known as Rocky Shoes & Boots, Inc., is a footwear and apparel manufacturer. The company was founded in 1932 in Nelsonville, Ohio and still maintains its corporate headquarters there. Rocky Brands includes, Rocky, Georgia Boot, Giant by Georgia and Durango...
was founded in Nelsonville in 1932 and the corporate headquarters are still located in the city. The former shoe factory now serves as the Rocky Outdoor Gear Store, and features three floors of outerwear, clothing, home interiors, specialty food products and boots.
The Nelsonville Cross was erected on Kontner's Hill in April, 1973. It is a Memorial Cross to Mrs. Elizabeth Smith Schwartz by her husband Mr. Walter L. Schwartz. The body of the cross is 4 feet by 4 feet, the cross arm is 25 feet in length and the body is 65 feet tall, anchored to a base of concrete which rises 8 feet above the hilltop. Manufactured of metal of special composition which includes steel and aluminum, it bears a porcelain white color. Newspapers in all parts of America and Europe have carried photographs of it as the "World's Largest Metal Cross", illuminated by mercury lights during the nights. Nelsonville has received much publicity from its location.
Hocking College
Hocking College
Hocking College, a technical college located in Nelsonville, Ohio, in the Appalachian region of the United States offers a wide selection of curriculum, with 56 associate degree programs, as well as several certification programs.- Mission :...
provides several tourist opportunities in Nelsonville. The most popular stop at Hocking is Robins Crossing, a restored pioneer village located on both the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is a non-profit, volunteer-operated tourist railroad located in Nelsonville, Athens County, Ohio.The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is a nonprofit tourist attraction that operates out of Nelsonville, Ohio. It uses former trackage of the C&O Railroad, which was...
train route and the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway. This collection of restored log cabins showcases pioneer life, and includes a general store, school house, and a blacksmith's shop. During the warm season, you can find demonstrations at Robins Crossing on most Saturdays and Sundays, and the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is a non-profit, volunteer-operated tourist railroad located in Nelsonville, Athens County, Ohio.The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is a nonprofit tourist attraction that operates out of Nelsonville, Ohio. It uses former trackage of the C&O Railroad, which was...
makes a special stop for passengers to experience the village. Hocking College
Hocking College
Hocking College, a technical college located in Nelsonville, Ohio, in the Appalachian region of the United States offers a wide selection of curriculum, with 56 associate degree programs, as well as several certification programs.- Mission :...
also is home to Hocking Woods Nature Center where visitors can learn about wild animals.
The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway, an 18 miles (29 km) long bicycle path
Bicycle Path
Bicycle Path is a historic road in Central Suffolk County on Long Island, New York, built in the late 19th Century in order to capitalize on the bicycle craze of that period...
, connects Nelsonville with the county seat of Athens
Athens, Ohio
Athens is the largest city in, and the county seat of, Athens County, Ohio, United States. It is located along the Hocking River in the southeastern part of Ohio. A historic college town, Athens is home to Ohio University and is the principal city of the Athens, Ohio Micropolitan Statistical Area. ...
. The Nelsonville portion of the bikeway runs from the Inn at Hocking College to the Rocky Outdoor Gear Store. It is designed for walking, running, biking, cross-country skiing, skating, and wheelchairs.
The Brick Kiln Park is located on the grounds of the former Nelsonville Brick Company. In the 19th century, the Hocking Valley was well known for its abundance of rich deposits of natural resources. The clay that laid beneath the ground was superior in quality. Numerous brick companies began to pop up after the iron furnaces went out of blast. One of the first to emerge was the Nelsonville Brick Company. In 1877, the Nelsonville Brick Company began their extensive operation. The Nelsonville Block, Hallwood Block, Hocking Block, and the Star Brick were all manufactured by them. In 1880, more kilns and stacks were constructed as an expansion. Nearly twenty-five million blocks and bricks were manufactured each year to keep up with the high demand. The railroads stayed busy transporting their products throughout the Midwest. The blocks and bricks manufactured in Nelsonville were very popular. One of them in particular was known as the king of all pavers, the Nelsonville Block. The salt glazed surface not only made it watertight, it also gave it a distinct and attractive finish. In 1904, the Nelsonville Block won first prize at the World's Fair in St. Louis. The Great Depression, combined with the use of concrete, led to the demise of the Nelsonville Brick Company. In 1937, the plant closed down. Although the main plant is gone, a few kilns and stacks, which were part of the expansion in 1880, still remain. An effort is underway to save the remaining kilns and stacks.
The Wayne National Forest
Wayne National Forest
The Wayne National Forest is located in the south-eastern part of the U.S. state of Ohio, in the Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau. It is the only national forest in Ohio. Forest headquarters are located between The Plains and Nelsonville, Ohio, on US Route 33, overlooking the Hocking River.The forest...
, the only national forest in Ohio, surrounds the city. The forest headquarters are located just outside the city limits on US Route 33, overlooking the Hocking River
Hocking River
The Hocking River is a tributary of the Ohio River in southeastern Ohio in the United States.The Hocking flows mostly on the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau, but its headwaters are in a glaciated region...
. It includes Ohio's largest collection of ATV trails. Tourist activities include: hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, ATV riding, and bird watching.
In film
Nelsonville has two connections to Hollywood. It is the birthplace of actress Sarah Jessica ParkerSarah Jessica Parker
Sarah Jessica Parker is an American film, television, and theater actress and producer.She is best known for her leading role as Carrie Bradshaw on the HBO television series Sex and the City , for which she won four Golden Globe Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two Emmy Awards...
, who is best known for her portrayal of Carrie Bradshaw
Carrie Bradshaw
Carrie Preston is the fictional narrator and lead character of the HBO sitcom/drama Sex and the City, portrayed by actress Sarah Jessica Parker. She is a semi-autobiographical character created by Candace Bushnell, who published the book Sex and the City, based on her own columns in the New York...
on HBO's Sex and the City
Sex and the City
Sex and the City is an American television comedy-drama series created by Darren Star and produced by HBO. Broadcast from 1998 until 2004, the original run of the show had a total of ninety-four episodes...
. Nelsonville is also the setting of the 1985 film "Mischief"
Mischief (film)
Mischief is a 1985 teen comedy film starring Doug McKeon, Chris Nash, Catherine Mary Stewart and Kelly Preston. The film was directed by Mel Damski and written by Noel Black...
starring Kelly Preston
Kelly Preston
Kelly Preston is an American actress and former model.- Early years :Preston was born Kelly Kamalelehua Smith in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her mother, Linda, was an administrator of a mental health center, and her father, who worked for an agricultural firm, drowned when Preston was three years old...
, and a few scenes were shot there.
Nelsonville is also the burial place of former Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
player Estel Crabtree
Estel Crabtree
Estel Crayton Crabtree was a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds and the St. Louis Cardinals . His playing career was unusual in that he went eight years between major league appearances...
.