Get off I-70 W. at the Morristown exit, turn right, and so far, it looks like “Anywhere”, USA, just off an Interstate. Stop in the McDonald’s for a hint of what’s ahead. Here, the  “Everywhere” chain serves up some “local” history with its Big Macs. The restaurant, across from Union Local Schools just outside the historic Village of Morristown features a dramatic display of historic photos of the 204 year-old community. Students looking out from an 1898 Morristown School photo likely include ancestors of some of today’s Union Local students. Pick up a brochure and head on to “The most immaculately preserved Pike town in Ohio”.  OHIO Magazine, Apr. 2000. The Village of Morristown has long been recognized nationally as an important example of an Old National Road Pike Town and because of this; [it] is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

    A message from U.S. Senator George Voinovich celebrating Morristown’s bicentennial put it this way: The National Road, America’s first federal highway, is Morristown’s Main Street.  Its role in the settlement and growth of Ohio and the westward expansion of our country is a rich thread in the fabric of American history.  Morristown’s history mirrors the hopes and needs, the disappointments and successes that are the heritage of the Pioneer Road to the West. It is important to note that historic Morristown is not a reproduction or a re-creation; it is the real thing. “A Guide To The National Road” suggests you, “walk up and down Main Street to appreciate the community’s commitment to preservation.” Johns Hopkins Press, 1996

    A full year of Morristown Bicentennial festivities celebrated this commitment in 2002. See the links to some of the events, and the Bicentennial website. In 2003, the Ohio Historic Preservation Office recognized the original website with the prestigious Public Education and Awareness Award. The award presentation produced amazed gasps from those assembled; first, at the mention that this work came from a community of only 300 people, and again, when the site’s technical designer, a local teenager, was introduced. The website also featured original artwork by acclaimed National Road artist Vickie Burton. The U.S. Postal Service created a special Morristown Bicentennial postmark using Ms. Burton’s original line drawing.

    Today, you’ll find another example of a community’s determination and commitment: The completion of a $1.6 million project bringing sorely lacking infrastructure to the Village. That any American community lacks such basics as safe water and or sanitation in the 21st Century is a national concern. A self-reliant, community-based initiative to meet this need earned the support of local, state, and federal officials. The effort produced an innovative Village – County partnership, safe sanitation for the Village, and a companion project in the County making possible in part over $25 million in nearby new business development. Morristown is demonstrating the concept of “preservation through progress”.  Senator Voinovich’s Bicentennial recognition noted that Morristown  “…values its past and approaches the challenges of tomorrow with vision, leadership, and countless hours of volunteer service from dedicated community groups.” Check this page from time to time to see how we’re planning to meet tomorrow’s tasks. In the meantime, come and be charmed by this special place, and the hospitality of its people. Morristown is a priority site in the Ohio National Road Scenic Byway Plan.