Shawnee

The Buckeye Trail turns right, crossing Route 93 into the town of Shawnee. The Trail turns right on Main Street, passing by the headquarters of the Buckeye Trail at 127 Main Street. The Trail continues on Main Street out of town, paralleling Route 93. The Trail crosses Route 93 at the Roaddog Marathon Gas Station, heading back into the woods via Upson Hollow Road.

The discovery of coal in southern Ohio grew the proliferation of boom coal towns.  The coal mines brought prosperity to the town, along with immigrants from all over Europe, including Ireland, Scotland, England and Itay. The discovery of oil and clay deposits further boosted the mineral extraction economy. 

 The population increased quickly with so many coal mines providing jobs. The town had a very busy Main Street with banks, stores and saloons. Shawnee became known as the entertainment capital of eastern Appalachian, with the Tecumseh Theatre being the focal point, screening movies, musicals, even basketball tournaments in the theatre. The town census was around 4000 residents in the late 19th Century.

Throughout the 1800s and early 1900s, Shawnee was a leader in coal strikes in which miners fought for better working conditions, higher wages, and the abolishment of child labor. The foundation of the Knights of Labor union paved the way for other industries to unionize.

By the 1920s the coal boom was over, with the last of the coal mines and brick factories closed their doors for good by 1972. Shawnee and its Main Street have retained an original streetscape with buildings, overhanging porches, two opera houses, and details typical of the Victorian Era. Shawnee is known as one of the best intact examples of boomtown architecture in the eastern United States.

This reclamation of the land showcases the power and resilience of the people's grassroot efforts to evolve and survive in a changing society. Running along Tecumseh Lake are both the Buckeye Trail and co-located North Country Scenic Trail. 

Plan your visit

Second Saturdays

During the warmer months, local residents and visitors alike gather on Shawnee’s Main Street for music, food trucks, and community spirit. Part of what makes Shawnee unique, the Second Saturday events feel both like a town celebration and an intimate event, where everyone is family.

Location: Main Street, Shawnee
When: Every second Saturday, May through September

Ohio's Winding Road Marketplace

The Markplace features a diverse selection of regional foods, art, books and gear in a restored Victorian era storefront in a former southeastern Ohio boom coal mining town. We sell beautifully handcrafted local goods. Inside a lovingly restored Victorian building on Shawnee's Historic Main Street. The Marketplace offers local food, art, and many other goods made by people in the Southeast Ohio area. Shop online, pick up, or visit us (during select hours).

Location: 117 W. Main St. in Shawnee, Ohio 43782

Shawnee First Friday Farmers Market

During the Spring, Summer, and Fall, Shawnee hosts a Farmers Market every first Friday of the month, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM.

Headquarters of the Buckeye Trail Association

Location: 127 Main St, Shawnee, OH 43782

Accomodations

There is an AirbnB available in Shawnee.