Jefferson County was established in 1797 by Arthur St. Clair, governor of the Northwest Territory, making it one of the oldest counties in Ohio. It was named for Thomas Jefferson.
Fort Steuben was built in 1786 and 1787 to protect surveyors mapping the Seven Ranges, the first lands surveyed under the national land system. The city of Steubenville grew up around the fort along the Ohio River.
Steel mills and river commerce shaped the county for generations. Entertainer Dean Martin was born in Steubenville in 1917, and Franciscan University of Steubenville is a well known institution today.
Places to Explore
Historic Fort Steuben, the downtown Steubenville murals, Jefferson Lake State Park, and riverfront views along the Ohio River.
Did You Know?
Steubenville is known as the City of Murals, with large painted scenes celebrating local history on buildings downtown.
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