Around Charlestown: Ravenna Arsenal presentation a hit, plus upcoming events and more

The Charlestown Historical Society was pleased to recently host Tim Morgan, the State Environmental Supervisor, who has worked at the site of the Ravenna Army Ammunition Plant for 37 years. The topic of his presentation was “An Inside Look at the Ravenna Army Ammunition Plant.” The 55 people in attendance listened intently to his informative and interesting talk that took us from the origin of what is commonly referred to as “the arsenal” through to its’ use today as a training facility for the Ohio National Guard known as Camp James A. Garfield Joint Military Training Center.

He addressed one of the most common misconceptions about why our area was chosen for the the location of the arsenal. It has been long thought to be due to the many cloud covered days we have in Northeast Ohio. However, this had nothing to do with it. The location was chosen because it was a large tract of level land away from the coasts. The land was inexpensive with labor, materials and two railroads in close proximity. Beginning in December 1939 through 1940, the U.S. Government purchased 22,000 acres enacting the right of eminent domain. The area purchased at the cost of 1.8 million was comprised mostly of farms with 250 homes and 1300 people displaced. They were given 30 days to vacate.