Each month, we feature on our a different Ohio city as part of our #GOPCThread Series, #OHCommunitySpotlight. This month, we visit the town at the “union of waters”, Coshocton.
This month, GOPC’s #OHCommunitySpotlight features Coshocton! Coshocton is in the eastern portion of Ohio – about 70 miles northeast of Columbus!
Before European contact, the area that is now Coshocton was part of the territories of the Kaskaskia people and Hopewell Culture.
In the 1770s, members of the Lenape Tribe settled in the area. These members were called Christian Munsee and had been converted to Christianity by Moravian missionaries in the mid-1770s.
Today, Coshocton is the county seat of Coshocton County, with a population around 11,000 in the 2020 Census. Originally called Tuscarawas, after the river that runs through the city, the city was renamed to Coshocton when it became county seat in 1811.
Two rivers meet in Coshocton – the Walhonding and Tuscarawas – and form the Muskingum River.
These rivers have been important to Coshocton’s growth as an economic base in the region. Coshocton Works, a facility of Cleveland-Cliffs, is one of the nation’s leading producers of flat-rolled stainless steel. As of early 2023, the facility had 416 employees.
Coshocton is also home to the oldest and largest American Flag manufacturer in the country. Annin Flagmakers is a 6th generation company!
Coshocton continues to have a strong and diverse manufacturing economy, while also growing its medical services.
If you are a beer or wine fan, the Three Rivers Wine Trail is a 60 mile stretch along the three rivers that go through Coshocton and the county, with nearly 10 wineries and breweries along the way!
For those who wish to explore the historic aspect of a river town, Coshocton is home to Roscoe Village – a restored town of the canal era. Roscoe Village is located near the Ohio and Erie Canal.
Roscoe Village serves as a heritage tourist attraction for Coshocton and the County, hosting living history tours, festivals, canal boat roads, and shopping and dining!
Just a few blocks south of Roscoe Village, you can stroll through Downtown Coshocton and see the Coshocton Carnegie Library, which was the 1,000th library funded by Andrew Carnegie.
Downtown also boasts opportunities for shopping, dining, and lodging! With boutique shops, antique treasures, and other stores, visitors can explore the many shops scattered through downtown, enjoy lunch or dinner, or stay at local flat or hotel.
Our Town Coshocton is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, revitalizing, and promoting historic Coshocton. The organization hosts a series of events in the city, including pub crawls, half marathons, and concerts in downtown!
Adjacent to downtown, the city has six city-owned parks for residents and visitors to enjoy a picnic lunch, walk/bike on the trails and paths, or bring your dog to the dog park!
Riverfront Park and Water Works Park offer boat launching, fishing, and greenspace to enjoy the riverfront access Coshocton has to offer!
Coshocton is home to the Kids America indoor sports venue, which has indoor/outdoor soccer, basketball courts, volleyball courts, tennis courts, indoor golf, and an indoor track. The nonprofit organization operates the gym for public use.
If you’re looking to take in some history, shop in the walkable downtown, hop on the wine trail, or take in any of the other great offerings, Coshocton has something for just about everyone!
