When Scioto County was established in March 1803, no one could have imagined the wide-ranging series of events that would encompass its history for the next 200-plus years. Situated in south-central Ohio along the Ohio River, the region experienced incredible prosperity with the Ohio and Erie Canal and later the railroads during the 1800s. In the early 1900s, shoe factories, steel mills, and brick plants produced jobs and merchandise that benefitted millions. Unfortunately, economic hardship followed in the latter half of the 20th century when these factories and many others closed. While some say the best days have come and gone, many would strongly disagree. Every day, men and women work hard to make Scioto County as proud and prosperous as ever before.