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39-794: The Hocking flows mostly on the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau , but its headwaters are in a glaciated region. It rises in Bloom Township in Fairfield County and flows generally southeastwardly through Fairfield, Hocking , and Athens counties, through the Hocking Hills region and past the cities of Lancaster , Logan , Nelsonville , Athens and Coolville . It joins the Ohio River at Hockingport . The Hocking's tributaries also drain parts of Perry , Morgan , and Washington Counties. Its name originally derives from

78-400: A Native American name, roughly "Hokhokken" or "Hokhochen", which meant "bottle-shaped" or "gourd-shaped" and referred to the river's headwaters 7 miles north-west of present-day Lancaster, Ohio . The river begins as a small stream, then immediately goes over a waterfall into a wide gorge. When viewed from above, this feature looks like a bottle, which led to its name. The river was known as

117-576: A family was $ 48,170. Males had a median income of $ 38,135 versus $ 31,263 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 16,642. About 16.6% of families and 30.3% of the population were below the poverty line , including 29.6% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over. Like most counties dominated by state universities, Athens County is a Democratic stronghold. It was one of only two counties in Ohio to vote for George McGovern over Richard Nixon in 1972 (along with Lucas County ) and in

156-501: A growing number of retail stores and restaurants. Local government, local school districts, and nonprofit organizations employ many county residents. Historically, the first large-scale industry was salt production. Coal mining and timber harvesting played major roles in Athens County's economy, as did the treatment and care of the mentally ill. The coal industry has declined dramatically from its peak years. Only Buckingham Coal

195-491: Is Athens . The county was formed in 1805 from Washington County . Because Ohio's first state university, Ohio University , was established here in 1804, the town and the county are named for the ancient center of learning, Athens , Greece . Athens County comprises the Athens, OH Micropolitan Statistical Area . The county has a total area of 508 square miles (1,320 km ), of which 504 square miles (1,310 km )

234-403: Is a physiographic section of the larger Appalachian Plateau province, which in turn is part of the larger Appalachian physiographic division. 41°N 80°W  /  41°N 80°W  / 41; -80 Athens County, Ohio Athens County is a county in southeastern Ohio . As of the 2020 census , the population was 62,431. Its county seat and largest city

273-471: Is a large dissected plateau area of the Appalachian Mountains in western and central New York , northern and western Pennsylvania , northern and western West Virginia , and eastern Ohio . It is divided into the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau and the glaciated Allegheny Plateau . The plateau extends southward into western West Virginia , eastern Kentucky , and Tennessee , where it

312-677: Is a technical college located at Nelsonville, Ohio . The Hocking Glass Company was formed in 1905, and merged to become Anchor Hocking by 1937. General Hocking Brick Company, Hocking Iron Company, Hocking Valley Products Company and Hocking Valley Clay Company were all former manufacturers in the area. The Hocking River's name was the inspiration for the call letters of Lancaster's Country music radio station WHOK-FM (now WXMG ). 39°11′03″N 81°45′15″W  /  39.18417°N 81.75417°W  / 39.18417; -81.75417 Allegheny Plateau The Allegheny Plateau ( / ˌ æ l ɪ ˈ ɡ eɪ n i / AL -ig- AY -nee )

351-663: Is also of interest due to the fact that the re-routing of the Hocking River project began in 1969. The re-routing of the Hocking was undertaken by the US Army Corps of Engineers, and was paid for by the university. The project was completed by 1971 and reverted five miles of the river along the West Green. This flood took place on March 14, 1907, and caused extensive damage throughout Athens and SE Ohio. According to

390-743: Is instead called the Cumberland Plateau . The plateau terminates in the east at the Allegheny Mountains , which are the highest ridges just west of the Allegheny Front . The Front extends from central Pennsylvania through Maryland and into eastern West Virginia. The plateau is bordered on the west by glacial till plains in the north, generally north of the Ohio River , and the Bluegrass Region south of

429-550: Is land and 4.8 square miles (12 km ) (1.0%) is water. Athens County is located in the Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau region of Ohio. It features steep, rugged hills, with typical relief of 150 to 400 feet, deeply dissected by stream valleys, many of them remnant from the ancient Teays River drainage system. Most of Athens County is within the Hocking River watershed, with smaller areas in

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468-735: Is roughly paralleled by a rail trail , the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway . The path serves as a major source of recreation for the residents of the area, especially the students of Ohio University and Hocking College . Major tributaries to the Hocking include (downriver to upriver) Federal Creek , Margaret Creek , Sunday Creek , Monday Creek , Scott Creek, Oldtown Creek , Clear Creek , Rush Creek , Pleasant Run , Baldwin Run , and Hunters Run . Many of these tributaries are affected by acid mine drainage . Canoeing , kayaking , rafting , and tubing are very popular activities on

507-537: Is still mining in the county, in Trimble Township north of Glouster. Gravel and limestone are mined at several quarries in the county. Active oil and natural gas wells are found in low numbers throughout Athens County. Forestry still contributes to the Athens County economy, both in the private sector and in the public sector. The headquarters for Wayne National Forest is located between Athens and Nelsonville. Farming and market gardening continue to thrive in

546-611: The Army Corps of Engineers ' Belleville Locks and Dam recreational access point on Frost Road near Coolville, Ohio . It is spanned by the Rock Mill Covered Bridge . Two organizations particularly concerned with preserving the environment of the river and its adjacent lands, and with providing recreational access to the river, are: the [1] Hocking River Commission, based in Athens County, Ohio , and

585-620: The Ohio River . Elevations vary greatly. In the glaciated Allegheny Plateau, relief may only reach one hundred feet or less. In the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau in southeastern Ohio and westernmost West Virginia, relief is typically in the range of two hundred to four hundred feet. Absolute highest elevations in this area are often in the range of 900 to 1,500 feet (270 to 460 m). By the Allegheny Front, however, elevations may reach well over 4,000 feet (1,200 m), with relief of up to 2,000 feet (610 m). The Allegheny Plateau

624-516: The Shade River and Raccoon Creek watersheds. The Hocking River joins the Ohio River at the unincorporated village of Hockingport in Athens County. As of the census of 2000, there were 62,223 people, 22,501 households, and 12,713 families living in the county. The population density was 123 inhabitants per square mile (47/km ). There were 24,901 housing units at an average density of 49 units per square mile (19/km ). The racial makeup of

663-667: The [2] Friends of the Hocking River, based in Hocking County, Ohio . Friends of the Hocking River in conjunction with Hocking Hills Adventures sponsor an annual river cleanup. [3] The event is usually held on the second Saturday in June and it concludes with a BBQ and music. The Shawnee language name is Wi'thakakkwathiipi . According to the Geographic Names Information System , the Hocking River has also been known as: The form "Hockhocking"

702-623: The 2014 gubernatorial election , it was one of only two counties to vote for Democrat Ed FitzGerald over Republican John Kasich (along with Monroe County ). From 2016 to 2020, as Ohio has veered rightward, Athens County has become the lone base of Democratic strength in Appalachian Ohio . The largest employer in Athens County is Ohio University . Other significant employers include Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare, Hocking College , Diagnostic Hybrids, O'Bleness Memorial Hospital, Rocky Brands, Stewart-MacDonald, Wayne National Forest, and

741-551: The Athens Journal, seven people died during the flood and the rescue attempts which followed. The flood uprooted about twenty houses, as well as drowned countless heads of horse and cattle. Residents who owned rowboats spent the days after the flood rescuing as many people as possible from their flooded houses; many people were saved, but rescuers were among the seven people who died. Thousands of people were forced to leave their homes, and many people were arrested for looting in

780-645: The Hockhocking River until the late 19th century. The Hocking Canal once linked Athens to Lancaster and the Ohio and Erie Canal , but was destroyed by flooding and never rebuilt. Due to frequent flooding of Ohio University 's campus, the Army Corps of Engineers re-channelized a section of the Hocking River in Athens during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Between Nelsonville and Athens, the Hocking today

819-710: The Hocking River. Hocking Hills Adventures and Hocking Hills Canoe Livery each operate trips suitable for all skill levels on the mid and upper sections of the river. The mid and upper portions of the Hocking River serve as an above-average smallmouth bass fishery. Typical species of midwestern warm-water streams are generally found throughout the river. The Hocking River Water Trail is now under development. There are currently river access points for fishing and for canoes and kayaks at Logan, Ohio , at Hocking College at Nelsonville, Ohio , on Hamley Run Road northwest of The Plains, Ohio , at West State Street Park in Athens, Ohio , at County Road 24A near Canaanville, Ohio , and at

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858-406: The age of 18 living with them, 39.3% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 47.2% were non-families, and 30.0% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.87. The median age was 26.3 years. The median income for a household in the county was $ 31,559 and the median income for

897-427: The age of 18 living with them, 43.50% were married couples living together, 9.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.50% were non-families. 28.30% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.92. In the county, the population was spread out, with 18.30% under

936-467: The age of 18, 30.70% from 18 to 24, 23.70% from 25 to 44, 18.00% from 45 to 64, and 9.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 26 years. For every 100 females there were 95.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.30 males. The median income for a household in the county was $ 27,322, and the median income for a family was $ 39,785. Males had a median income of $ 30,776 versus $ 23,905 for females. The per capita income for

975-405: The area. The largest farms specialize in beef and dairy production. The Athens Farmers Market, an outdoor market, continues to grow in popularity. Local and organically grown produce is found in abundance during the summer months. Also, tourism is a large and growing component of the county's economy. The county is a regional music center and home to many arts and crafts businesses. Many visitors to

1014-410: The county are drawn to its natural resources and abundant wildlife. Hunting and fishing are popular activities in season. The county has over 19 miles of paved bike path in and between Athens and Nelsonville. Hiking and mountain biking are popular throughout the county, especially in the state parks and national forest. Higher education remains the cornerstone of the county's economy. Over one-quarter of

1053-503: The county was $ 14,171. About 14.00% of families and 27.40% of the population were below the poverty line , including 21.20% of those under age 18 and 12.90% of those age 65 or over. As of the census of 2010, there were 64,757 people, 23,578 households, and 12,453 families living in the county. The population density was 128.6 inhabitants per square mile (49.7/km ). There were 26,385 housing units at an average density of 52.4 units per square mile (20.2 units/km ). The racial makeup of

1092-404: The county was 91.8% white, 2.7% black or African American, 2.7% Asian, 0.3% American Indian, 0.4% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.5% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 22.1% were German , 15.2% were American , 14.0% were Irish , 10.4% were English , and 5.5% were Italian . Of the 23,578 households, 24.3% had children under

1131-432: The county was 93.48% White , 2.39% Black or African American , 0.28% Native American , 1.90% Asian , 0.02% Pacific Islander , 0.36% from other races , and 1.56% from two or more races. 1.03% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 21.4% were of German , 13.9% American , 12.9% Irish , 11.1% English , and 5.6% Italian ancestry. There were 22,501 households, out of which 26.40% had children under

1170-713: The county's residents either attend or work at Hocking College or Ohio University. Athens County is home to Hocking College in Nelsonville and Ohio University in the City of Athens. The residents of Athens County are served by the five school districts: the Alexander Local School District , Athens City School District , the Federal Hocking Local School District , Nelsonville-York City School District , and

1209-404: The days after the flood. Telegraph lines were ripped down due to the flood, leaving Athens residents with no way of communicating with the outside world in the days after the flood. The railroad, waterworks plant, and electric plant were flooded, leaving Athens residents without water or electricity. The Flood of 1968 caused more severe damage. Four inches of rain fell in twenty-four hours, causing

Hocking River - Misplaced Pages Continue

1248-410: The hills, or the higher ground. It was not until the university needed to expand, due to an influx of students during the 1950s that anything was even built into the flood plain. Some mentionable floods included the 1907 flood, in which seven people died, and about twenty houses were swept away. Another notable flood took place in 1968 which was labeled "The worst flood in fifty five years". The 1968 flood

1287-542: The project was completed, $ 48 million in flood damage has been averted since completion. The project was put to the test in May 1990 when heavy rains caused the river to crest at twenty- three feet in Athens. President Bush declared Athens and three other counties "Disaster Areas"; the flood caused $ 4 million in damage to SE Ohio, but physical plant director Chuck Culp estimated that rerouting the river saved OU more than $ 500,000 in flood damage. The most visible change to Athens due to

1326-413: The re-routing project, which had been proposed years earlier, became one of the only viable solutions for the university's dilemma. It has been speculated that the new river channel has three times the carrying capacity of the old one, and should reduce chances of flooding by 86%, preventing an estimated $ 800,000 annual flood loss. The project began on April 12, 1969. It was estimated to cost $ 11 million, and

1365-615: The rerouting project was the building of Baker Center. Baker Center is built right in the original flood plain of the Hocking river; the second floor of Baker would actually be stream level. The Hocking Valley Railway was formed in 1870. Today, the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway still runs as a tourist attraction. Hocking County, Ohio is named after the river, as are the Hocking Hills , which include Hocking State Forest and Hocking Hills State Park . The Hocking Canal existed from 1838-1890. Hocking College

1404-469: The river to crest at twenty-five feet, eight feet above flood level. Students actually helped the National Guardsmen in rescue efforts and sandbagging in an attempt to control the flooding. The flood made national news, worrying parents and relatives who were tuning in. Students were also seen diving off the balcony in front of Brown Hall, and out dorm windows on the West Green. It was reportedly

1443-428: The worst flood in fifty-five years, and caused $ 8.9 million in damage to Athens county, and $ 750,000 to Ohio Universities campus. A year after the 1968 flood the re-routing project began. The project was carried out by the Army Corps of Engineers, and was funded by Ohio University. The University needed to expand its campus into the flood plain without having to pay annual damages, and without putting students at risk. So

1482-403: Was generally used for the first century of Ohio's statehood, as reflected on old maps, while the shorter "Hocking" River form has been used for about the past century. Flooding on the Hocking used to be a yearly occurrence for the residents of Athens, Ohio . The floods determined many aspects of the residents' lives, for example where to build a house. Most of the houses in Athens are built up on

1521-454: Was to re-route a five-mile strip of river that ran along the West Green. Also, a four-laned bridge was constructed along Richland Ave, which can still be seen today. The project was completed by 1971, and OU reportedly paid $ 375,000 per year for twenty-two years. The project had a lasting effect on the campus of OU; the pre-1969 Hocking would have run directly through the bottom floor of the new Baker Center. US Army Corps has estimated that since

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