beautiful.
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BELMONT COUNTY
Explore the history of transportation, industry, culture, and education in Belmont County with stops that can include three museums, two historical attractions, shopping and dining.
Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum
532 N. Chestnut St. Barnesville, OH 43713
Visitors of all ages thrill to the splendor and elegance of this award-winning mansion. Built for John and Sarah Bradfield in the Romanesque style and was completed in 1893. Twenty-six rooms are skillfully restored and furnished with the finest of the Victorian era. Superbly carved oak fretwork, butternut and hand-carved wood mantels are just a few of the finely crafted features inside. Over a century ago a great architect worked with gifted craftsmen of the day from 1888 through 1893 to create this fine mansion. It remained in the Bradfield family until 1966 when the Belmont County Historical Society acquired the property and established a museum. Guided tours are conducted May 1 through October 1, Wednesday through Sunday, from 1-4 p.m. Open May–Sept., Wed.– Sun., 1–4 p.m. or by appointment all year. “Magic of Christmas” Tours held November -January. The Bradfield and Watts families who occupied the mansion were prominent in the banking, agriculture and mining industry. Group rates available.
Shopping and Dining
Located nearby at 202 N. Chestnut St., is the Barnesville Antique Mall. This family-owned store offers three floors of antiques and collectibles. Hours are Tuesday –Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Monday.https://www.barnesvilleantiquemall.com/ or 740-425-2435 for more information.
Dining options in Barnesville include: Main Street Barrel House, 137 E. Main St. Newest Bistro & Bar in historical downtown Barnesville that offers a family atmosphere, entertainment, and a relaxing place to enjoy food and drinks while having a good time. Hours: M, 11-10; Th., 11-11; F& Sat. 11-1; Sun., 11-10. Closed Tues. & Wed. Call (740) 619-0591.
Annie K’s is a family-owned restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. They have daily specials and homemade desserts. There is ample parking and groups are welcome. Handicap accessible. Hours: M-Th, 8 - 6.; F– 8-8; Sat., 8– 3.Closed Sunday. 787 E. Main St. (740) 425-3456.
While in Barnesville be sure to see the six painted murals throughout the town, representing the industrial, education, and transportation history of the village. Painted by local artist Twila Fisher, these large black and white murals cover many facets of the village’s history. https://www.visitbelmontcounty.com/post/murals-tell-barnesville-s-history
Watt Center for History & The Arts
400 North St. Barnesville, OH 43713
Visit this unusual building that served as offices for the Watt Car & Wheel Co., founded in 1863. Discover six unique vaults, original wood paneling, many lovely tin ceiling designs, and a steam whistle that was used to signal the weather for local communities. The company was known throughout the world for nearly a century, not only for the production of mine cars and self-oiling wheels, but also for ore and rail cars and fabricated longwall mining equipment.
Explore displays featuring nuggets of local history and small-town retail business.
Exhibits change periodically. One of the current exhibits highlights native Elisha Gray, whose many patents included a telephone prototype. The museum also hosts historical presentations, art exhibits, and art classes in many mediums. Donations appreciated. Open May–Sept. by appointment by calling (740) 425-1497.
Groups welcome. Ample parking.
Underground Railroad Museum
121 High Street Flushing, OH 43977
The Underground Railroad Museum features an extensive collection of publications, books, memorabilia and other articles. The museum was founded in 1993 by the late Dr. John Mattox and his late wife, Rosalind to preserve the past for future generations. The exhibits portray what is known about slavery and the Underground Railroad in Ohio, and presents an understanding of the culture in the 1800’s. Much of the information and artifacts Mattox has gathered came from local sources. Mattox and the museum were accepted to the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program.
Visitors to the museum are encouraged to ask questions as they peruse the 15,000-18,000 objects, artifacts and documents of the three-story building. Hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11am - 3pm EST, and on Saturdays by appointment only. Feel free to contact us by phone at 740-968-2080 or 740-391-3135 to schedule an appointment. www.ugrrf.org
Great Western Schoolhouse
45425 National Road, St. Clairsville, OH 43950
The Great Western School was built by the Clark Construction Company in 1870. The school remained in use until 1952. The National Trail Chapter #348 of International Questers restored the building in 1976 as a Bicentennial project. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Quester Chapter continues to maintain the school and provides tours and educational classes to visitors throughout the year. Students who visit this "working museum" are instructed by the 'schoolmarm'. If the flag is flying, guests are welcome to "come and sit a spell" and to hear the history and numerous stories of this one-room school. Open by appointment. Call the tourism office at 740-695-4359.
Great Stone Viaduct
31st St., Bellaire, OH
Construction of this Great Stone Viaduct began in 1870 at Union Street as an Ohio approach to the railroad bridge spanning the Ohio River. It was completed to Rose Hill in April 1871, and the entire bridge span connecting Ohio to West
Virginia, of which the Viaduct is a part, was opened to rail traffic on June 21, 1871. Jointly constructed by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and the Central Ohio Railroad, its sandstone piers rise in varying heights 10 to 20 feet above the streets, from which are placed 43 stone arches supported by 37 ring stones (18 on each side of a keystone) intended to symbolize a united Union consisting of 37 states. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, this Ohio River crossing became known as the "Great Shortline to the West." The bridge was featured in the 2010 film Unstoppable starring Denzel Washington. Filming took place on the bridge in November of 2009.
Dining Options
Schlepp's Family Restaurant, 66645 Belmont Morristown Rd., Belmont, is located just off Interstate 70 at exit 208. Schlepp's first opened its doors in the early nineties. They offer casual, family style dining, all at a low cost. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner . Ample parking and handicap accessible. Hours: M-Th. 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday. (740) 782-1528 www.schlepps.com
The Pike 40, 41010 National Rd., Belmont. Located in an original Pike 40 roadhouse just outside of historic Morristown, Ohio, the Pike 40 celebrates the local cuisine of the Ohio Valley. The menu represents some of the area’s Americana and comfort dishes, along with offering that reflect the rich immigrant history specific to the area. There is ample parking and groups are welcome. Handicap accessible. Hours: Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Closed Monday and Sunday. (740) 782-0001. www.pike40.com
Mehlman’s Cafeteria, 51800 National Rd. E., St. Clairsville They have been serving traditional American food for lunch since 1966. There is ample parking and groups are welcome. Take-out, delivery and catering also offered. Handicap accessible. Hours are Tuesday-Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Mondays. (740) 695-1000) www.mehlmans.com
Undos, 51130 National Rd., St. Clairsville. Started in 1953, Undo’s is a family-owned restaurant that specializes in Italian and American cuisine. Located in the Hampton Inn, St. Clairsville, Undo’ West features an aerial view of the Ohio Valley Mall. Friendly, yet elegant dining marks the atmosphere. There is ample parking and groups are welcome. Handicap accessible. Hours: 4 p.m.-12 a.m. M-TH and 4 p.m.. – 2 a.m. Fri. & Sat. and Sun. 12-8 p.m.n 740-695-8888.
Sonny Boy, 8801 National Rd., Bridgeport. American-style diner serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is ample parking and groups are welcome. Hours: Open daily, 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Gulla’s Lunch, 3073 Belmont St., Bellaire. Home of the famous “Gulla Dog”. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 7 a.m.– 9 p.m. Closed Sunday. (740) 671-9666