Tom O’Grady, who represents the Southeast Ohio History Center, welcomed guests to a commemoration of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, Tuesday afternoon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

COOLVILLE — Community members, historians, and state leaders gathered Tuesday afternoon along Ohio 7 between Coolville and Tuppers Plains to dedicate a barn mural commemorating the Northwest Ordinance of 1787.

The barn, owned by Martha and Wayne Caldwell, was painted by Monroe County artist Scott Hagan, known for his large-scale historical murals across Ohio.

The project was part of a statewide effort led by the America 250-Ohio Commission to highlight significant events leading up to the nation’s semiquincentennial in 2026.

Former Ohio Gov. Nancy Putnam Hollister, who also served as Marietta’s mayor and is a descendant of Rufus Putnam, spoke about the importance of the Northwest Ordinance in shaping the nation.

“The Northwest Ordinance is one of the most important documents in American history,” Hollister said. “It provided for the orderly expansion of our country, established principles of government, guaranteed public education, and even gave property rights to women. It was a blueprint for who we were to become.”

Nancy Hollister, former governor and Marietta mayor, discusses the history of the Northwest Ordinance Tuesday afternoon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

She emphasized the ordinance’s role in creating the Northwest Territory, which included Ohio, and how it influenced the growth of southeastern Ohio settlements.

“Ohio is the heart of it all, but southeastern Ohio is the start of it all,” Hollister said. “The pioneers here brought their New England heritage, built communities out of wilderness, and gave us a legacy to be proud of.”

Representatives from local historical groups, including the Southeast Ohio History Center and Sons of the American Revolution, joined in the event. Reenactors in period dress attended to honor the region’s Revolutionary War ties.

Chris Hurtubise of the America 250-Ohio Commission noted that the barn is one of several murals being dedicated around the state in advance of 2026.

“These murals tell the story of Ohio’s role in American history,” she said. “The Northwest Ordinance is often underappreciated, but it laid the foundation for Ohio to become the 17th state.”

State Senator Kevin Ritter discusses Thomas Nelson during Tuesday afternoon’s celebration of the Northwest Ordinance. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Ritter, who represents much of the local region in the Ohio House, reminded attendees of the sacrifices made by early American leaders.

“This 250 year observance goes all the way back to 1776 and as I was driving over today, I was thinking about the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence,” Ritter said. “Thomas Nelson, he’s only one of the 56 that gave their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor so that we can enjoy a celebration like the one we’re enjoying today. So I would encourage you to keep those folks in mind, read about them, share those stories with those around you.”

Tom O’Grady of the Southeast Ohio History Center thanked the Caldwells for providing their barn as a canvas and said the mural serves as a tool for public education.

“The more you learn about Southeast Ohio history, the more you learn about American history and world history,” O’Grady said.

The dedication drew residents from Athens, Meigs, and Washington counties, marking what organizers described as both a celebration of the past and an educational step toward the future.