A Dedication of the Trailblazers & Founders Memorial was held as part of a day-long July 4th celebration hosted by Muskingum 250 at Confluence Park in Zanesville.
The historic event opened with a presentation of colors by the Muskingum Valley Council Scouts just moments after Muskingum 250 Chair Rebecca Carr welcomed an audience seated under the canopy of a large tent in view of the iconic Y-Bridge. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and the National Anthem was led by the singer from the Old River Revival band, who performed later on that morning. An invocation was given by Rev. Michael Bullock before the keynote speaker, author John Barr, took to the podium. Barr is the author of Zane’s Trace: A New Road in a New Country. He shared some of his knowledge of local history in his speech. and spoke to the significance of the celebration held at Confluence Park.
“Today, we celebrate as a nation the 250th anniversary of the signing of our Declaration of Independence. As a community, we also celebrate the men who made it possible for Zanesville to become the vibrant community that it is today, said Barr. “So, it’s because of the efforts and sacrifices of these men that we memorialize today on this statue that we’re able to appreciate and benefit from what has become Zanesville, a true centerpiece of Ohio’s history.”
Remarks by Ohio State of Representatives Adam Holmes, Muskingum County Commissioner Melissa Bell, and Mayor Don Mason followed.
A letter written by Ohio State Representative Adam Holmes and included in the time capsule was read aloud by Representative Holmes. An excerpt of that letter said, “Today, we’re thinking about all those generations of people who ensured our community remained strong and, as always, deeply involved in the shaping of America. We’re also, of course, thinking about all the citizens of this century. It’s all of us, including everyone here today. Incredible leaps in technology have occurred, along with lots of challenges. However, please know that no matter what your history books might tell you about the Ohioans of 2026, here’s the truth. We remain kind, hardworking, service-oriented, extremely patriotic, and very grateful to have lived our lives in the greatest nation in world history. We love where we live. We’re very confident that Ohioans from 1776 to today felt the exact same way, and we sincerely hope you feel the same way too.”
“This memorial is more than just stone, said Commissioner Bell during part of her speech. “It’s a reminder that our story didn’t begin with us, and it won’t end with us. It connects all of us to those who came before and challenges us to be worthy of the sacrifices they made and the foundation that they built. I hope that years from now, children and grandchildren will visit this memorial and ask, Who were these people? And then they’ll realize that the spirit of those founders is still alive. Not because of what they’ve accomplished, but because each generation has chosen to carry these values forward.”
Members of the Muskingum 250 Committee unveiled the Trailblazers & Founders Memorial prominently displayed in the center of the newly improved park space. The memorial consists of a row of three monuments, two with plaques inscribed with history about founders Johnathan Zane and John McIntire, and a third in the middle displays a map of Muskingum County with Zane Trace from New Concord to East Fultonham and all the towns in between marked. Below the visual is the history of The Zane’s Trace. The back of the monument lists the Trailblazers of the Zane’s Trace: Colonel Ebenezer Zane, Captain Johnathan Zane, John McIntire, William McCulloch, Ebenezer Ryan, John Green, Levi Williams, Joseph Worley, and Tomepomehala.
Closing remarks by Rebecca Carr, a benediction by Rev. Michael Bullock, a retirement of colors, and the firing of a cannon brought in by Bob Daniels (1st Ohio Light Artillery, Batt. A) concluded the first part of the event. Attendees were invited to stay for the dedication of the Liberty Tree and a time capsule. A table with items that were to be included in the time capsule was able to be viewed, and others were added. The assortment of keepsakes included local newspapers, America 250 enamel pins, a copy of John Barr’s book, a travel guide, pottery, the letter from State Representative Holmes, Scout patches, and other mementos. The capsule will be reopened on America’s 300th Birthday, July 4, 2076.
A new tree was added to the park as a reminder of the people who shaped the Zanesville community. The Liberty tree sapling is positioned just a few steps from the Trailblazers and Founders Memorial. A short ceremony was held to dedicate the new addition.
“We dedicate this little sapling in the same courage, resilience, and love of freedom that guided the earliest Americans. As this tree grows, may it remind us of the people who shaped this community, the values we cherish, and the future we are building together. May generations who pass beneath its branches feel the strength, pride, and promise of this place we call home,” said Carr. “Today, we also dedicate the Muskingum County Time Capsule, a gift to the future. So many meaningful items, but the capsule has grown richer than we ever imagined. Because of this wonderful response, we will take a little more time to carefully preserve and catalog each piece. The final sealing will take place at a later date, but its dedication, its purpose, its intention, its place in our shared story begins here with all of you.”
Confluence Park is located at 721 W. Main Street, Zanesville. To see upcoming history-themed events, visit www.muskingumcountyhistory.org.
