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Greetings and Welcome ...

to the internet presence of the Rufus Putnam Chapter, Ohio Society, Sons of the American Revolution located in Zanesville, Ohio. Our chapter holds the distinction of being one of the first to organize in Ohio making us a Senior Chapter in the State. Our members take an active role in the community including services in memory of our past and the patriots thereof. Our membership has grown exponentially in the past year earning us the paramount recognition for Chapter development in South Eastern, Ohio.

Our Chapter meets ...

the 2nd Saturday of each month (excluding July, August, and November) at the American Legion, 29 South Third Street, Zanesville, OH 43701 at Noon. Meals are $7.00 per person. Reservations are required by contacting our Chapter President and Compatriot Brian McKee by the Preceding Tuesday. Wives and guests are always welcome.

The City of Zanesville, Ohio ...

is located on Interstate 70 and is fifty miles east of Columbus. Zanesville, Ohio is the county seat and largest city (population 25,586) in Muskingum County. Zanesville was founded in 1797 by John McIntire on land deeded by his father-in-law, Ebenezer Zane. It was Zane who led a party of men to cut a road (Zane's Trace) from Wheeling, WV southeastward to Maysville, KY, leading to the establishment of Zanesville, Lancaster and Chillicothe at major river crossings. At one time known as "Clay City" and "Pottery Capital of the World," Zanesville has a rich history in the production of utilitarian and art pottery, traditions that continue to this day. Zanesville is also noted for its unique Y shaped bridge which spans the confluence of the Muskingum and Licking Rivers. The current structure is the fifth Y Bridge since 1814. Amelia Earhart called Zanesville "the most recognizable city in the country," referring to the Y Bridge's usefulness as a navigational aid to pilots.

Rufus Putnam (1738-1824 ) ...

was an American soldier and pioneer settler in Ohio. He was born on April 9, 1738 in Sutton, Massachusetts. Between 1757 and 1760, Putnam fought in the French and Indian War. From 1760 to 1775 he worked a variety of jobs as a millwright, a farmer, and surveyor until the eruption of the American Revolution. In 1775 he entered the Continental Army as a Lieutenant Colonel. He organized the batteries and fortifications in Boston and New York City in 1776 and 1777 and then was successful in commanding a regiment under General Horatio Gates at the Battle of Saratoga. He built new fortifications at West Point in 1778 and in 1779 he served under General Anthony Wayne. He was promoted to brigadier general four years later.

Putnam became interested in the settlement of the Western lands after the war and in 1786 he was involved in the founding of the Ohio Company of Associates. This association's goal was to obtain a land grant in the Ohio country for settlement by veterans of the War of Independence. They obtained a grant from Congress of 1,500,000 acres and Putnam was appointed the company superintendent of the colonizing activities. Along with Reverend Manasseh Culter, Athens County and the university were laid out by Putnam. In 1788 Putnam led a small group of 48 Revolutionary War heroes into the Northwest Territory by flatboat and canoe to establish the first organized settlement in that territory. Named Marietta, to honor Marie Antoinette, the settlement grew to become the seat of government for the territory, drawing pioneers to purchase land. It became known as the "Gateway to the Northwest."

Before being appointed surveyor general of the United States in 1796, Putnam served as a territorial judge in Ohio and as a brigadier general.