“There is a lot of history along the Ohio River in Belmont County,” said Barb Ballint, Belmont County Tourism Council director.

The self-guided driving tour takes place from noon to 6 p.m. today and follows Ohio 7 along the Ohio River Scenic Trail — one of three Scenic Byways in Belmont County — starting at the locks at the north end of the county, then heading south to Martins Ferry for several stops and finishing in Bellaire.

“The event originated as farm visits along scenic roads to promote the area’s agriculture. It was a great way to enjoy a fall foliage drive,” Ballint said. “With fewer working farms in the area, the tourism office has adapted this event to not only promote our beautiful farms, but also the area’s history and other points of interest throughout Belmont County.”

Also in Martins Ferry is a stop at the new Project Forward Farmers’ Market at the corner of Fifth and Hanover streets, which will be open special hours to accommodate today’s tour goers. On the way to Bellaire, drivers will drop in to the Riverview Bible Church right along Ohio 7.

The Barn

In addition to the viaduct and church, other Bellaire stops include three businesses: the Bellaire Toy and Plastic Brick Museum, Bellaire Escape Zone and The Barn Furniture.

Brochures and maps, as well as restrooms, will be available at each stop.

1. PIKE ISLAND LOCKS AND DAM

The lock chambers lie on the West Virginia side of the Ohio River along West Virginia 2, just north of the Warwood district of the city of Wheeling. The recreational area and fishing pier are located on the Ohio side of the river in the village of Yorkville.

The Pike Island locks were constructed from 1959-1963 and were opened in November 1963. The dam was constructed from 1962-1965. This structure replaced Locks and Dams 10 and 11, built from 1904-1911 and 1912-1916, respectively. These had smaller lock chambers with old-style wooden wicket dams that were raised and lowered manually by the lock crews to maintain the required navigation depth in the river.

Escape Zone

The Pike Island project has two locks — a 1,200-foot primary chamber and a 600-foot auxiliary chamber — and nine dam gates. Gated dams are constructed to permit increased control over the water level in the navigation pool upriver of the dam. Machinery mounted on tall concrete piers moves large cables that lift gates that are hinged into the body of the piers. As the gates are raised or lowered to control the amount of water flowing under them, the upstream pool is maintained at a relatively constant level for an authorized depth of at least 9 feet throughout its length. The dam, however, cannot be operated to control flood flows. An incidental benefit derived from the pool formed by the dam is the availability of a source of municipal and industrial water.

2. WALNUT GROVE CEMETERY

The Walnut Grove Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in the state of Ohio. Its name originated from the acres of beautiful walnut trees that graced the river bank in that area of Martins Ferry. It was a popular picnic site for the local population, and the Methodists used it as a location for their camp meetings.

Absalom Martin, the founder of Martins Ferry, loved it so much that he was buried there in 1802. After that, the grove became the official town burying ground. Within a special walled area, members of the Martin and Zane families were buried. Graves of veterans of the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican War and the Civil War also were located there. In the cemetery is a large common grave of townspeople who died in the smallpox epidemic of 1880.

On April 15, 1887, a tornado destroyed most of the walnut trees and damaged many of the headstones. The city opened a new cemetery, Riverview, and the Walnut Grove Cemetery fell into disrepair. In 1928, schoolchildren raised money to erect a statue of Betty Zane at the entrance to the cemetery. She is honored for her heroism during her famous “gunpowder run” at the siege of Fort Henry in Wheeling in 1782. She is buried in the cemetery.

Great Stone Viaduct

3. PROJECT FORWARD FARMERS’ MARKET

Project Forward is a community organization commissioned by the city of Martins Ferry to promote and implement economic revitalization in the downtown area. By capitalizing on the community’s assets, inspiration and potential, Project Forward is creating quality public events that contribute to the health, happiness and well-being of the citizens of Martins Ferry.

The farmers’ market is open on Fridays but will have hours today for the tour. Food vendors, artisans and more will be available. A birdhouse-making activity by the Belmont County Soil and Water Conservation District will take place here.

4. SEDGWICK HOUSE MUSEUM

Located at 627 Hanover St. in Martins Ferry, the Sedgwick House was constructed in 1870 by the Helling family. It was the home of Leroy Sedgwick and his family from 1900 until the late 1960s. Sedgwick was a local businessman, served as sheriff of Belmont County and was the co-founder of the Martins Ferry Times Leader. In 1970, the Martins Ferry Area Historical Society established the Sedgwick House Museum to house historical artifacts pertaining to the city. A visitor to the museum can view items that range from the eras of the pioneers to the space shuttle. Exhibits include period furniture, glassware, textiles, school and sports memorabilia, and commercial and industrial materials.

Toy and Plastic Brick Museum

5. RIVERVIEW BIBLE CHURCH

Located at 57890 Moores Run Road, Bellaire, along Ohio 7 overlooking the Ohio River, Riverview Bible Church has a history dating to 1915. On Sept. 12, 1915, the American Sunday School Union, which was started by Francis Scott Key, organized the first Sunday School in Riverview. The classes were held in the old Riverview School. About 10 years later, the Sunday School classes and some interested members bought, rebuilt and moved to the Bellaire Trinity Episcopal Church building in the Riverview community. The church became known as the Riverview Chapel.

In 1955, the church structure sustained some damage as an indirect result of the relocation of Ohio 7. The property was sold and Sunday School services were held temporarily in the basement of a church member’s home. Shortly thereafter, a new building was purchased on Whiskey Run Road.

Yet again the church would face relocating, this time because of the construction of Interstate 470. The state of Ohio purchased the building on Whiskey Run and the funds were used to build a new building at the present-day location in West Wheeling (which has a Bellaire postal address). This transition took place in 1970.

From 1969-2004, Riverview Bible Church experienced growth under the leadership of the Rev. Don Meese and his wife, Sharla. During this time, the church acquired its current activity building, expanding to make room for more classrooms.

Sedwick House Museum

6. BELLAIRE TOY AND PLASTIC BRICK

MUSEUM

The Toy and Plastic Brick Museum (known as “The Unofficial LEGO Museum”) at 4597 Noble St. in Bellaire is 36,600 square feet of LEGO fun, with themed models, rooms and a play area. Inducted in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2007 for the “World’s Largest LEGO Image” (featured in the 2010 book), the museum is interesting for kids and adults of all ages.

7. THE GREAT STONE VIADUCT

The Great Stone Viaduct Historical Society will have a tent staffed by members with information about their organization, with the Great Stone Viaduct as a panoramic backdrop. Additional events include pumpkin decorating, farmers’ market vendors and St. C Flyers model airepline demonstrations.

A central feature of Bellaire is the massive stone railroad viaduct that still carries railroad traffic between Ohio and West Virginia. The viaduct was built of 43 sandstone arches reminiscent of a Roman viaduct. It was completed in 1871 and operated by the B&O Railroad.

The viaduct was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 22, 1976. A dedicated group of local men and women from all walks of life have formed the society and are working to promote the railroad heritage that transformed Bellaire and its landscape.

Tour-goers will have the opportunity to enjoy the Ohio Valley Farmers’ Market, with vendors making a special appearance at this stop. The Master Gardeners of The Ohio State University Extension will be offering pumpkin decorating for children. The Master Gardeners are trained volunteers available to educate the residents of Belmont County with timely researched-based information, programs and public service.

The St. C Flyers members will demonstrate electric-powered and fuel-powered flight, powered gliders, aerobatic planes, and old-timer designs upgraded to radio control. Visitors can try their hands at a flight simulator or perhaps a radio-controlled model.

8. THE BELLAIRE

ESCSAPE ZONE

The Bellaire Escape Zone at 2011 Belmont St., Bellaire, brings the game of Clue to life and combines it with Solve a Murder Mystery that participants play on the computer. During the tour, a game master will take participants inside one of three themed rooms to show how they guide players though the game.

9. THE BARN FURNITURE

Located at 2095 Belmont St., Bellaire, The Barn Furniture has been family owned and operated since 1952 when it was opened by Brooklyn Ross. Ross, who was employed by Imperial Glass, mostly sold Imperial Glass in the store until an addition was put on years later. Charles Ross, Brooklyn’s son, went to work at the family business after he got out of the military service and added used furniture. The store has changed a lot over the years with additions, more furniture and odds and ends. Charles Ross’ love for the city of Bellaire shows in the many photos on display from the early 1900s of the city and football players. He recenlty added his band uniform from the 1950s.

Rick Ross, Charles’ son, runs the store today, keeping up with the tradition of having a little bit of everything. But Charles, at the age of 88, still comes to work six days a week and always has a good story to share.