The Gazette holds several historical designations: It is the oldest commercial enterprise in the state of Ohio. It began on April 25, 1800, when Edmund Freeman moved his Freeman's Journal here when Chillicothe became the capitol of the Northwest Territory. In October 1800, it became the Scioto Gazette and Chillicothe Advertiser. The building that houses today's Gazette is a replica of Ohio's first statehouse.

Halfway between Columbus and the Ohio River, Chillicothe is in southcentral Ohio and in the county seat of Ross County. It was founded in 1796 and served as Ohio's first state capital. The city serves as a retail trading hub for seven surrounding counties. It is home to a Veterans Affairs hospital and two state prisons, and hosts one of the nation's largest Gus Macker 3-On-3 basketball tournaments. It is also home to the outdoor drama "Tecumseh!"

Ross County population: 154,163
Median household income: $39,830
Median age: 37.6
Largest private-sector employers: Mead Paper, Kenworth Truck Co. International, Petland Inc., Kitchen Collection