Consisting of approximately 18.5 acres, Putnam Hill Park in Zanesville in Ohio offers a panoramic view of the small city — along with the historic and somewhat unique Y-Bridge that crosses the Muskingum River.
Putnam Hill Park in Zanesville in Ohio
Putnam Hill Park — which was part of the community of Putnam until it was annexed into Zanesville in 1872 — initially resembles just about any other park in a small city in the United States when driving in from the entrance…
…until one reaches the overlook, as indicated by the wooden benches by the railing. The concrete supports of the railing seem to mimic the shape of the Zanesville Y Bridge and are designed to keep people from falling off of the high bluff.
The panoramic view of Zanesville facing north from the overlook at Putnam Hill Park includes the confluence of the Muskingum River and the Licking River — as well as the Y-Bridge in its entirety.
Named in 1801 after Ebenezer Zane, the city was originally named Westbourne and was the capital city of the state of Ohio between 1810 and 1812. It also was a “stop” on what was known as the Underground Railroad.
Rusting old railroad trestles and notable architecture evoke the history of the city, which was once known for its manufacturing of pottery and textiles.
On the right side of the photograph above is Muskingum River Parkway, which follows the spine of a long island to historic Zanesville Lock #10. Operated by hand, the double lock still works as it did when it was built greater than 170 years ago. In 2000, the Muskingum River Parkway and its navigation system were designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers. The lock can be visited by land at no charge; but operating a boat or other watercraft through it will cost between $15.00 and $50.00.
Built in 1877 in the Second Empire architecture style, the yellow and green building on the right side of the above photograph is the Muskingum County Courthouse, which is located at the corner of Fourth Street and Main Street and is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings. Its address is 27 North Fifth Street.
Saint Nicholas Catholic Church — which is the red and tan building located on 925 East Main Street in the foreground of the above photograph — stands proudly near the Zanesville water tower.
Founded as a parish in 1836, Saint Nicholas Catholic Church is currently housed in a building in the style of Romanesque Revival architecture. The building was dedicated in 1899; and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on Thursday, September 25, 1975.
All three spokes of the Zanesville Y-Bridge connect in one spot in the middle of the Muskingum River.
On the plaque which notes that Putnam Hill Park was initially dedicated in 1876 is the following inscription:
“When the height of Putnam Hill is fenced and planted, when seats invite the tired stroller and roads the driver in his carriage, we can take our visitors to that favored spot and show him all the extent of our kingdom and the glory thereof.”
— FROM ZANESVILLE COURIER
Final Boarding Call
Putnam Hill Park is located one mile south of Exit 153B of Interstate 70 — although other ways to get to the park from the interstate highway are possible. Give yourself approximately 30 minutes to relax and enjoy the view.
Putnam Hill Park
Grandview Avenue
Zanesville, Ohio 43701
740-455-0637
Putnam Hill Park is open to the public 24 hours per day, seven days per week. No admission is charged.
Free parking is available — as well as barbecue pits, basketball courts, swing sets, a gazebo, a big slide, and toilet facilities.
All photographs ©2019 by Brian Cohen.
