Barnesville
ONCE known for its strawberries, Barnesville's fame now is linked with pumpkins.
In the mid- and late-1800s, the berry culture was notable in the village. Railroads were a popular mode of transportation at that time, and the berries were shipped to such cities as Columbus, Pittsburgh, Chicago and Philadelphia.
For nearly four decades, the pumpkin festival -- currently known as the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival -- has drawn thousands to the village each September. Pumpkin, produce, contests, entertainment, displays and other activities are among the popular events for the festival, which also has received attention in other countries.
King Pumpkin, the largest pumpkin at the festival, is crowned annually. The royal pumpkin in 2000 was raised by Barnesville residents Todd and Donna Skinner, and the 1,109 pound pumpkin was a record-breaker for the festival.
Not only did it attain fame in Barnesville, but it went on to place second-best ever in Ohio and then was judged as the third largest pumpkin in the world.
Barnesville also is the home for the Belmont County Museum. Housed in a mansion dating from the Gay '90s, the museum features memorable woodwork and special rooms as well as furnishings from that area and a variety of historical items.
The Barbara Barbe Doll Museum near the downtown area includes a variety of dolls from various eras.
Another feature of Barnesville is the former Baltimore & Ohio depot, which houses the Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce. It also serves as the focus for several community-related activities and is part of the village's historical district.
Recently established in Barnesville was the Watt Center for History and Arts. Special activities and displays are part of the center, which is housed in the former Watt Car and Wheel Co. office building. It was one of the village's major industries.
The Barnesville area in the pre-historic era attracted Indian cultures, and the Barnesville Track Rocks including petroglyphs is several miles from the village. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Included among the famous people from the Barnesville area are Wilson Shannon, Ohio's first native-born governor; George Shannon, who was on the Lewis and Clark Expedition; Judge Isaac Parker, who was known as the "hanging judge"; and Elisha Gray, who was beaten to the patent office by Alexander Graham Bell by only a few hours in connection with the invention of the telephone.
The town's accomplishments aren't all in the past. A school building project costing more than $19.5 million was scheduled for completion during 2002.
In the mid- and late-1800s, the berry culture was notable in the village. Railroads were a popular mode of transportation at that time, and the berries were shipped to such cities as Columbus, Pittsburgh, Chicago and Philadelphia.
For nearly four decades, the pumpkin festival -- currently known as the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival -- has drawn thousands to the village each September. Pumpkin, produce, contests, entertainment, displays and other activities are among the popular events for the festival, which also has received attention in other countries.
King Pumpkin, the largest pumpkin at the festival, is crowned annually. The royal pumpkin in 2000 was raised by Barnesville residents Todd and Donna Skinner, and the 1,109 pound pumpkin was a record-breaker for the festival.
Not only did it attain fame in Barnesville, but it went on to place second-best ever in Ohio and then was judged as the third largest pumpkin in the world.
Barnesville also is the home for the Belmont County Museum. Housed in a mansion dating from the Gay '90s, the museum features memorable woodwork and special rooms as well as furnishings from that area and a variety of historical items.
The Barbara Barbe Doll Museum near the downtown area includes a variety of dolls from various eras.
Another feature of Barnesville is the former Baltimore & Ohio depot, which houses the Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce. It also serves as the focus for several community-related activities and is part of the village's historical district.
Recently established in Barnesville was the Watt Center for History and Arts. Special activities and displays are part of the center, which is housed in the former Watt Car and Wheel Co. office building. It was one of the village's major industries.
The Barnesville area in the pre-historic era attracted Indian cultures, and the Barnesville Track Rocks including petroglyphs is several miles from the village. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Included among the famous people from the Barnesville area are Wilson Shannon, Ohio's first native-born governor; George Shannon, who was on the Lewis and Clark Expedition; Judge Isaac Parker, who was known as the "hanging judge"; and Elisha Gray, who was beaten to the patent office by Alexander Graham Bell by only a few hours in connection with the invention of the telephone.
The town's accomplishments aren't all in the past. A school building project costing more than $19.5 million was scheduled for completion during 2002.
Schools in the District > District profile
Barnesville Elementary School
Barnesville Middle School
Barnesvile High School
Profile: Community of Barnesville