The Crown of Court Street: The Athens Armory

For over a century, the Ohio National Guard armory has been an iconic fixture of uptown Athens, with its castle-like appearance and prominent place at the foot of Shale Hill. Built before the First World War, the armory served as a training and meeting facility for Athens County's citizen soldiers in peacetime, and served the community during wartime. This presentation recounts the story of the building, its evolving role with the National Guard, and its place in Athens history.

Our guest speaker Cyrus Moore, a regional historian, is director of the Baltimore Community Museum in Fairfield County and a native of Athens County.  He serves on the City of Athens Historic Preservation Commission. Moore’s extensive background in military history includes a longtime interest in the Athens Armory and stories associated with the men and events connected to it over the past century