CHILLICOTHE (November 9, 2007) - As Ohioans honor the
nations veterans this weekend, the Ohio Department of Transportation
(ODOT) is playing a role in Veterans Day events in Ross County by
memorializing the Camp Sherman Memorial Highway along State Route 104.
Earlier this week, ODOT crews erected the signs along SR 104 to
designate the route. Located just north of the US Route 35 interchange
and the Chillicothe Veterans Administration Medical Center, the signs
mark the site of what was the third-largest World War I army training
camp. The official designation was a result of legislation passed more
than a decade ago in June 1996.
It was brought to our departments attention that the legislation
existed, but the signs had never been erected, said ODOT District 9
Deputy Director James Brushart. Fortunately, we were able to expedite
the fabrication and installation of the signs prior to this weekends
events.
Another piece of Ross Countys history is being honored this Veterans
Day as organizers from Chillicothes Veterans Administration dedicate
the restoration of two historic gateposts that once flanked the
entrance to Camp Sherman.
At the time the training camp was established in 1917, two large and
two small gateposts were erected at its north and south entrances on
SR 104. The four posts on the south side of the camp are still
standing near their original location on North High Street in
Chillicothe, and the two small posts at the north entrance were moved
nearby to a training center for the Ross Correctional Institution.
The larger posts at the north entrance, however, were pushed over and
buried when the route was widened more than 60 years ago. During
excavation for the new SR 207 connector, ODOT unearthed the two
remaining posts.
Following the discovery, ODOT partnered with the Ross County
Historical Society, Ohio State Historic Preservation Office, Veterans
Administration, Hopewell Culture National Historical Park and the
Federal Highway Administration to reset and restore the posts near the
discovery site at the entrance of the VA Medical Center.
Ross County has a rich and unique history, so while we work to
modernize our transportation system, we also strive to preserve the
areas cultural, natural and archaeological resources, said Brushart.
I am proud we could assist in not only memorializing Ohio-104 with
the Camp Sherman signs, but also commemorating the training camp with
the discovery and restoration of the gateposts.
In addition to a host of other activities at the VA Medical Center
throughout the day Sunday, the dedication of the gateposts will take
place at the entrance to the hospital at 10 a.m. Later this month,
organizers from Camp Sherman, Inc., will hold a separate ceremony to
dedicate the Camp Sherman memorial signs.