National Road / Zane Grey Museum

8850 East Pike
Norwich, OH 43767
740-872-3143 1-800-752-2602

"Look!" said one, pointing to the west.

"A rider!"

Jane Withersteen wheeled and saw a horseman, silhouetted against the western sky, coming riding out of the sage. He had ridden down from the left, in the golden glare of the sun, and had been unobserved till close at hand. An answer to her prayer!

--Zane Grey
from Riders of the Purple Sage, 1912

This modern museum has three major exhibit areas. First is the National Road, early America's busiest land artery to the West. The National Road stretched from Cumberland, MD. to Vandalia, IL. Begun in 1806, the "Main Street of America" was the only significant land link between east coast and western frontier in the early 19th century. A 136 foot diorama of the National Road plus many objects illustrate this theme.

Second is Zane Grey, the "Father of the Adult Western." The Zanesville author wrote more than 80 books. His study is recreated plus many manuscripts and other memorabilia are displayed.

Finally, a central portion of the museum is devoted to Ohio art pottery.

LOCATION

The National Road Museum is on U.S. Route 40, 10 miles east of Zanesville, in Muskingum County. It is at the Norwich exit of I-70, exit 164.