Which way to Malta?
Malta, nestled in the heart of Morgan County, a historically rich community, particularly in its military history. Around the year 1791 there was a contiuous battle that went on for almost 4 long years, between Ohio Company settlers and the Wyandot Indians in and around this area. Then skipping to time of the War of 1812, and ex-sailor Simeon Pool, and his son-in-law, John Bell, settled this area. These men laid out the first lots of Malta in 1816. Mr. Pool named this new town in commemoration of his visit to the Isalnd of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. The original plat for malta contained one hundred and fourteen lots.
There were also significant contributions this small town made toward the Civil War in the form of Generals: Joseph Bailey, Jeremiah Rusk and Otho Strahl. James Ball Naylor wrote about Malta in the form of poetry and historical novels which focused on the struggles of the frontier settlers and Indian tribes in this area. He is remembered fondly in the towns history and on signs placed throughout the area.
The town itself is quaint. Vistors should see the Town hall, Rock Hollow School and the reconstructed Morgan County Dundeon that was operated from 1833 to 1839.
In the month of July each year the Malta/ McConnelsville, Ohio or Hanoverton Heritage Days, Ohio is held. This reenactment including both sides of the conflict is a real treat to experience. If you would like to experience all of this, it is possible to do so over an extended weekend and I suggest in the month of July. Fall is also a good time to take in the glorious Fall colors.
Nearby Historical places to stay and visit are:
The Lafayette Hotel in Marietta Ohio opened in 1916 and was named in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette who visited the city in 1825 at a site near the hotel. It is triangular in shape and can offer its guests views of the Ohio or Muskingum Rivers. The diningroom features quite a display of longrifles, including one made by J. J. Henry that accompanied the Benedict Aronold expedition to Quebec in 1775. Maritta Ohio is an official stop for the Delta Queen Steamboat Company. Several times a year, the Mississippi Queen, the Grand American Queen, and/or the Delta Queen dock at the Ohio River Levee beside the Lafayette Hotel. Nearby attractions to the Hotel are the Fenton Art Glass, The Castle, Underground Railroad Tour at the Levee House Cafe, Valley Gem Sternwheeler Museum and the Marietta Soda Museum just to name a few.
A side excursion and wonderful place to stay while visiting the area is the Stockport Mill Inn, in Stockport Ohio at Lock #6 on the Muskingum River. This jewel of a hotel which was originally a Mill includes wonderful eating, beautiful views and a therapeutic atmosphere. Another historical must see and all of these are 4-5 hours from Monroe County Michigan, which is where blogsmonroe.com originates.
I hope you take the time to enjoy one of my weekend excursions. I would love to hear from some of you as to whether there is an interest in me putting together a bus tour together orginating from Monroe Michigan, and traveling to Gettysburg during which time I will be your historical tour guide in the Spring of next year or would most of you want to experience the Gettysburg address commemoration in the Fall? Please leave me your comments…………………….
Filed under: Historical Travel suggestions by Savannah Meade
Hi,
I am writing from the Malta – the Mediterranean Island.
Maybe you shoudl all come to Malta !
Wonderful to hear from you!!! Would love to come there one day. I thought this article depicted the determination of 2 men who were along way from their home of Malta, and trying to bring a little of its rich culture to this country. Malta Ohio has a rich history even here becauase it dates so far back in our young history, 1812.
Another connection with Ohio is that during the second world war Malta was saved from surrendering to the Germans becuase a convoy made it through . 3 or 4 ships managed to make it to the island.The most imporatnt of which was teh Tanker OHIO! It carried vital supplies .
Hello I like your post “Which way to Malta?” so well that I like to ask you whether I should translate into German and linking back. Answer welcome. Greetings Kroatien
Hey! I like your post “Which way to Malta?” so well that I like to ask you whether I should translate into German and linking back. Greetings Engel
I am a relative of James Ball Naylor. Much of my family is from Malta/McConn. Ohio. I have been researching Malta…. the island and am determined to find a way to live and work in Malta someday:) I also write……….. must be in our blood:)