Ohio Officials Recognize Great Stone Viaduct Society in Bellaire
Robert A. DeFrank Trending
The Great Stone Viaduct has come a long way in recent years, thanks to the efforts of a local group working to preserve the distinct landmark and repurpose it as a destination for visitors -- work has recently earned state recognition.
On Tuesday, members of the Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society attended the Ohio Appalachian Heritage Luncheon in Columbus, where they were recognized as a "Success Story" and given certificates from the Ohio House of Representatives and Senate.
Ed Mowrer, member of the Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society, spoke prior to the event.
"We'll be recognized for our project, among others around the state," he said. "It's kind of exciting. There's been a lot of good recognition since we finished the Phase 1 of our project last year."
He added there were a total of eight projects recognized from across the state.
In October 2022, the society unveiled the culmination of 10 years of work, renovating the 151-year-old viaduct as a walking trail and plaza. It boasts an overlook hanging over the arches, and spans half a mile with a bike trail as well. Last year, the society received the 2022 Mattox Award from the Belmont County Tourism Council for a significant and long-term contribution to the county.
Mowrer said word has been getting out, generating more traffic and tourism for Belmont County.
"We've been amazed the amount of visitors that we get. Several from the Columbus area, New Jersey, they hear about it on Facebook and drive down to see the project. Back in the end of September we lit part of the bridge, so the north facade of the bridge is lit and that's drummed up a lot of people coming in to look at the bridge at night," he said.
Mowrer said members will look at more projects after the first of the year. Meanwhile, they are continuing outreach efforts.
"One thing that's really pleasing is the involvement of our high school students. I did a presentation just this past Tuesday ... down at Shadyside High School at one of their environmental science classes, and their students are going to help us with some of the projects on the bridge. We have some environmental Brownfield site concerns we have to look at, and they're going to help out as a class project, so that's really nice," he said.
He said this award will also make future grants more likely, and expressed thanks for the Ohio Department of Transportation grant completed last year that made the construction of the plaza possible.
"That was a $2 million project from the Ohio Department of Transportation that really got this project moving," he said.
Belmont County Tourism Director Jackee Pugh said the walking trail is a feather in the area's cap.
"I nominated them for this award," she said. "I am absolutely thrilled to have an organization from Belmont County recognized for the work that they're doing here in Appalachia, and the Great Stone Viaduct is an amazing example."
She said her department has received positive input from many tourists.
"They have people there all the time. One of the things the society is looking at doing is actually putting a 'people counter' in, to be able to track as many people are coming to it. I think that's a great way. We have one of our geocaches hidden there, and we've got lots of wonderful comments from people about how neat the structure is and how glad they are that our geotour took them to that location."
More information can be found at the website greatstoneviaduct.org.