Remarkable Ohio

Counties

Below is a complete listing of all Ohio Historical Markers. To find a detailed marker listing including text, photographs, and locations, click on a county below. Our listing is updated by the markers program as new markers are installed and older markers are reported damaged or missing.

ALERT: Marker may be temporarily removed for relocation. August 2022.

3-14 Gilbert Van Zandt

Side A: Port William is the birthplace of Gilbert Van Zandt, quite possibly the youngest enlistee in the Union Army during the Civil War. Born on December 20, 1851, “Little Gib” joined the ranks of Company D, 79th Ohio Volunteer Infantry at the age of ten years, seven months, and sixteen days. Barely four feet tall, Van Zandt served initially as the company’s drummer boy, and later as a courier for the regiment. Distinguished for his bravery under fire, young Gilbert saw action in the battles for Atlanta, Sherman’s March to the Sea, and the Carolina Campaign. He was discharged from service on June 9, 1865, already a seasoned veteran at thirteen. Van Zandt died in Kansas City, Missouri on October 4, 1944 at the age of ninety-two.
Side B: Same
Sponsors: Ohio Bicentennial Commission, The Longaberger Company, Port William Dam City Days Committee, and The Ohio Historical Society
Address: 227 Main Street, 
Port William, 
OH, 
45164
Location: NE corner of the Intersection of Main Street and 2nd Street
Latitude: 39.5522130
Longitude: -83.7864840