National Road/Zane Grey Museum

This modern museum has three major exhibit areas.  First is the National Road, early America's busiest land artery to the West.  The National Road stretched from Baltimore, Md. to East St. Louis, Ill.  Approved in 1806, the "Main Street of America" was the only significant land link between east coast and western frontier in the early 19th century.  A 136-foot diorama of the National Road, including numerous objects, illustrate this theme.

The second is a tribute to Zanesville author Zane Grey.  Grey is well-known for his western novels and he is known as the Father of the Adult Western.  His study is recreated and includes many manuscripts and other memorabilia.

Finally, a central portion of the museum is devoted to Ohio art pottery, a large part of the region's heritage.

School tours are a specialty at the museum.  Museum staff tell the story of the historic National Road and take students on a journey following the extensive diorama that portrays the National Road at various periods in history.  Exhibits illustrate how vehicle technology prompted improvements in road surfaces.  A conestoga wagon is one of the featured artifacts.  School groups or motor coach groups may schedule a tour any month of the year by making advance arrangements.

This museum is operated by the Ohio Historical Society, a nonprofit organization that serves as the state's partner in preserving and interpreting Ohio's history, archaeology and natural history.