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Belmont County Tourism Director Highlights Museum Project, Global Reach During Quarterly Report

ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio – Belmont County Tourism Executive Director Jackee Pugh met with Belmont County Commissioners Wednesday to deliver her quarterly report, highlighting major developments and ongoing efforts that continue to boost tourism across the county.

Pugh told commissioners that the Underground Railroad Museum sparks a lot of interest from visitors and she often runs out of museum brochures at tourism events she attends since people are so eager to learn more.

Pugh met Ohio Governor Mike DeWine at his recent visit to Morristown for the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Underground Railroad Museum, which will relocate from Flushing to the historic Black Horse Inn. Pugh described the event as “a very moving, lovely ceremony,” noting that the governor and First Lady Fran DeWine stayed for two hours, far beyond their scheduled appearance, touring the building, asking questions, and connecting with community members.

“This project combines two cornerstones of Belmont County history,” said Pugh. “It’s going to ensure the museum and the Black Horse Inn are preserved for future generations.”

The $4 million project includes $1 million specifically allocated for the museum, which houses nearly 8,000 artifacts. Pugh said a professional curator and exhibit design team are working to build custom displays that will tell the story of Belmont County’s role in the Underground Railroad and honor the legacy of the museum’s founder, Dr. John Mattox.

“This museum is a hidden gem,” said Pugh. “And though we’re moving the physical location, we are being very intentional in keeping Dr. Mattox’s vision and legacy alive in every step of the design process.”

Pugh also reported on her recent participation in GeoWoodstock, the largest geocaching event in the United States, held this year in Morgantown, West Virginia. Belmont County’s booth drew interest from visitors as far away as Russia, Taiwan and New Zealand.

“We talked to people from all over the world who were fascinated by what we have to offer,” said Pugh. “It was a wildly successful event.”

Belmont County’s Bigfoot-themed geocaching tour has proven to be a unique and powerful draw, with geocaches found more than 9,000 times by visitors from nearly every U.S. state and three countries.

“We’ve had visitors come back just because they saw us at that event,” she said. “It’s a niche tourism item, but it works.”

Pugh also updated commissioners on her work with the America 250 Ohio Commission, which is planning events across the state in preparation for the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026. Belmont County is already benefiting from increased visibility, with two local attractions—the Mail Pouch Barn at Barkcamp State Park and the Blackstone House Museum in Bellaire, featured on Ohio’s “Creativity Trail,” the second statewide heritage trail released by the commission.

“Being part of these trails brings in real visitation numbers,” said Pugh. “These ‘bucket list’ road trips are very popular.”

Additionally, Pugh shared that she has been invited to work the Ohio State Fair booth for America 250 Ohio this year, helping showcase Belmont County’s role in the celebration and building partnerships for future tourism initiatives

Back at home, Pugh continues her work preserving and promoting the National Road, a historic transportation route that runs prominently through Belmont County. As president of the Ohio National Road Association, she’s helped coordinate signage, marker preservation, and storytelling about the route’s significance.

She also helped plan the county’s Heritage Trail Driving Tour in April, which celebrated the 200th anniversary of the National Road with stops including the Great Western Schoolhouse, the Belmont County Soil and Water exhibit and the St. Clairsville Library.

“It’s a free, family-friendly event where each stop offers something interactive,” she said. “We’ve really worked to make it fun and educational for all ages.”

Pugh praised recent upgrades to rest areas along I-70, noting the addition of large-scale displays featuring Belmont County landmarks like the Bellaire Viaduct and the National Road. Additional exhibits on the Underground Railroad Museum are still in development.

“These rest stops are no longer just places to stretch your legs—they’re points of inspiration,” she said.

Belmont County has also seen continued momentum from annual events like the Run for the Wall, a cross-country motorcycle tribute ride honoring veterans, which stopped in St. Clairsville for the fourth consecutive year over Memorial Day.

“This year’s stop was our best yet,” said Pugh. “So much so that there was talk of changing the route, but after the event, they decided to keep us on. That speaks volumes about our hospitality and the sense of home we’ve created here.”

As the summer season rolls on, Pugh says campground bookings at places like Barkcamp, Zion, and Piedmont Lake are strong, and the county’s scenic beauty continues to attract visitors.

“We don’t have a dramatic spike in lodging tax revenue, but we’re seeing steady increases,” she noted. “People are coming here to unplug, relax, and explore.”

With the momentum from state partnerships, national events, and international attention, Pugh closed her report with optimism: “Belmont County is on the map, and it’s only getting brighter from here.”

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