Monday, December 19, 2011

A Sunday drive to Gallipolis, Ohio

Our daughters have decided that they would like a puppy for Christmas. And, they do not want just any pup. They have set their hearts on a Great Pyrenees. So, after much searching, we found a Great Pyrenees puppy near Gallipolis, Ohio. Today we snuck off and left three of our girls with my parents so that we could bring home the puppy. Our journey took us down to Gallipolis, Ohio.

Gallipolis is a town on the Ohio River. Literally translated, Gallipolis means "City of the Gauls." The Scioto Company sold deeds to land to people in France. When these Frenchmen came in 1790 to claim their land, they found the deeds to be worthless because the land did not belong to the Scioto Company. Many of these Frenchmen returned east. Those who chose to stay had to pay the Ohio Company for the land that they wished to settle. These wayward settlers then petitioned President Washington for help. The Ohio Company soon came to the rescue, and they built log cabins for the French settlers.

Gallia County was established in 1803 by the Ohio Legislature. Gallia County was so named to honor the Gauls. And, the town of Gallipolis translated means "City of the Gauls." Those original French settlers are often referred to as the French 500 or the First 500.

Today, Gallipolis remains a small town. There are around 3000 residents.

No comments:

Post a Comment