History

Morgan County is named in honor of Brigadier General Daniel Morgan, one of the most successful leaders of the American Revolution. Morgan developed a long "Kentucky" rifle, which could hit the redcoats at a great distance. The first settlement of Morgan County was made in 1790 at a place called Big Bottom. An Indian party attacked the settlers, killing nine men, one woman, and two children. The site of this event is now Big Bottom State Memorial Park.

The Muskingum River, which runs through the county, was once a busy trade route for boat traffic. Many of the boats stopped at McConnelsville, which became the county seat. Because the river drops over 100 feet, navigation was difficult and the Muskingum River pilots were renowned for their piloting skill.