In 1809, the citizens of Zanesville erected a building on this site which served as the capitol of Ohio from October 1, 1810 until May 1, 1812. After the capital moved back to Chillicothe, the building was used as the Muskingum County Courthouse. Today's courthouse, built in 1874, replaced Second Capital of Ohio building, but kept the date stone from the original structure, as seen over the front steps.