Zanesfield, Ohio

Zanesfield is a small community in Logan County, Ohio.

Prior to the arrival of white settlers, the Shawnee Indians principally inhabited the area that now includes Zanesfield. Whites drove most of the Shawnee and other Indian groups from the region during the War of 1812. White residents established Zanesfield in 1819, naming the town after Isaac Zane. Zane was the brother of Ebenezer Zane, founder of Zane's Trace. Wyandot Indians captured Isaac Zane when he was just nine years old. He spent several years living as a captive of the Wyandots. Upon attaining his freedom, Zane served as an interpreter for Confederation and United States government officials in treaty negotiations with various Native American groups. In 1795, the United States government awarded Zane 1,800 acres of land near Zanesfield.

For its entire history, Zanesfield has remained relatively small. In 1880, only 307 people resided in Zanesfield. Historically, most residents either worked as farmers or provided services to their agriculturalist neighbors. This tradition continues today. Today, no major state or federal highways pass through the community, leaving it relatively isolated. In 2000, just 220 people lived in Zanesfield.