Noble County Celebrates America 250
This year the United States is commemorating 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Counties throughout Ohio are celebrating in various ways. Noble County has plans throughout the year for residents and visitors to enjoy.
In 1776, the land would still have been a wilderness with Indians keeping watch on any hunters or trappers that ventured that way. The first settlers in the Noble County area were New Englanders coming from Marietta up the valley of Duck Creek. The area was rich in mineral resources such as coal, iron ore, building stone, petroleum and salt. Many were involved in farming after the Treaty of Greenville ended the Indian threat in this part of Ohio. It was among the first places in the Northwest Territory to be surveyed by Rufus Putnam and settled by Revolutionary War veterans.
250 years later, Caldwell is a thriving small town that is joining in the America 250 celebration in several ways. The celebration began with their 49th Art on the Square but this year with the square under construction, they called it Art off the Square. Besides the art displays, there were several small bands playing on a stage decorated in red, white, and blue.
Caldwell is continuing their celebration on June 29 with a movie in Floral Hall at the Fairgrounds sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and the Fair Board. “The Pledge” (also called “Doughboy”) stars a local actor, Barrett Carnahan, and is free to the public.
July 4th seems to be the day for the biggest events all across Ohio. In Caldwell, spend all day enjoying music, fun, and festivities. It begins at the Noble County Fairgrounds with the Noble County Cruiser Car Show – 28 years and still rolling. There will also be a Story Walk at the Fairgrounds sponsored by the 4-H Council using the book “The Flag We Love” which tells how our flag has become an enduring part of our nation’s tradition and heritage.
The 4-H Chicken BBQ starts at 11 am until they sell out which is always before 3 pm. The awards will be at 3 pm. Proceeds from this event will support local 4-H members.
The Floral Hall will be a busy place with displays set up along the sides and picnic tables down the middle of the hall for eating a meal. Or you might rather bring a blanket and sit outside to have a picnic.
The displays will cover a wide range of family friendly activities all in one place. There will be free gifts, kites to make, a community puzzle, temporary tattoos and more. America 250 Ohio will make available special Homecoming Kits, courtesy of Cenovus Energy. America 250 Noble and the Noble County Historical Society will have displays from 1876 to1976.
There will be representatives from 4-H, Veterans, D.A.R., and Friends for OR&W Railroad, who will talk to you about early railroads. The Performing Arts group and Noble County Genealogy will each have a table. Don’t miss the giant birthday cake!
For those who want to cool off on a hot summer day, the Happy Time Pool on the Fairgrounds will be open from 11 am to 5:30 pm. A great place to relax!
Outside you will find the banner made by the Noble Correction Institute with the names of the Revolutionary War veterans buried in Noble County. There will be a handout with a list for those who want to go to the cemetery. At 5:30, there will be a short program about the Revolutionary War Veterans.
Food vendors will open at 4 pm for the afternoon picnic if you don’t want to bring your own food. Red, white, and blue popcorn will be made on site for you to enjoy. Cornhole games will be available in the afternoon.
Little Creek Band will play from 6 – 8 pm on the RO Stage. They play a wide variety of music including classic rock, prime, and newer country. Come out and enjoy this Noble County group.
The day ends at 10 pm with a fireworks display at the fairgrounds that will light up the sky. It is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and many local businesses.
America 250 events continue throughout Noble County. Here are a sampling of those events:
- Batesville, July 1, is opening a 1976 time capsule and planting a White Oak America 250 tree.
- Belle Valley, July 11, celebrates America 250 downtown with a bounce house, games and a benefit dinner.
- Fireman’s Festival, July 23-25, starts off with a big parade to celebrate small town Americana at its best.
- Seneca Township, August 11, is having a homecoming picnic.
- Thorla McKee Park Open Door, September 12, 2-4 pm, shares stories of the first oil well in America and the railroad.
- Noble County Historical Society Open Door
- Appalachian Foothills Fall Festival and Iron and Power Show, September 19-20, will have the Revolutionary War Veterans Banner and a giant birthday cake for America’s 250th birthday.
In 2026, Ohio has set up several America 250 Trails throughout the state to promote its history, and Noble County is included in three of those trails.
Noble County is part of the new America 250 – Ohio Transportation Trail, which includes more than 80 locations tied to Ohio’s transportation history. There are six planned routes for this Trails & Tales program.
The site being featured in Noble County is the Caldwell Caboose No. 33, which is located at the Thorla McKee Well Site at the intersection of state routes 78 and 584. The caboose was donated by the Clarence and Geneva Lowman family in 1993 and serves as a historical marker of the region’s railroad legacy. The BZ&C Railroad played an important role in transportation of coal, oil, timber, freight and passengers. This provided economic growth in Noble County during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Another exciting trail, America 250 – Ohio Innovation Trail includes the Thorla McKee Oil Well. In 1814, Noble County was the first to strike oil in North America. Silas Thorla and Robert McKee were searching for salt and came up with oil, which they sold as salve and a “cure-all” called Seneca Oil.
For the history buff, America 250- Ohio Air & Space Trail includes the Historic Jail Museum. Built in 1882, the jail in those days was a place where both the jail and the sheriff’s residence were under one roof. See unique displays of that old jail plus more. It is located on “The Square” in downtown Caldwell.
Sounds like there are many ways to enjoy America 250. Join in the celebration of 250 years of independence with your family and friends in Noble County in 2026.
Gypsy Road Trip 