Nestled along the banks of the Ohio River in the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio, Gallia County has been home to hardworking families and tight-knit communities for more than two centuries. From the historic streets of Gallipolis to the quiet farmlands and wooded hollows that stretch across our townships, this is a place where neighbors look out for one another and the land itself tells a story.
Gallia County government exists for one purpose: to serve you. We are committed to integrity, honesty, and openness in everything we do. Every dollar we spend is your dollar. Every decision we make is made on your behalf. We believe in accessible, accountable government — and we work every day to earn the trust you place in us.
Our History
Gallia County was founded in 1790 by a group of French settlers known as the “French 500” — men, women, and children who crossed the Atlantic seeking a fresh start in the American frontier. They established Gallipolis, the “City of the Gauls,” as one of the earliest settlements in the Northwest Territory. The county itself was formally organized in 1803, the same year Ohio became a state.
The name Gallia is the Latin word for France — a tribute to those first brave families who carved a home out of the wilderness along the Ohio River. Over the generations, Gallia County grew as Scots-Irish, Welsh, and German settlers joined the French founders, building the farms, churches, schools, and communities that define our county to this day.
Gallipolis, our county seat, still sits where those original settlers landed — overlooking the river that brought them here. The historic district, Our House Tavern (built in 1819), and the City Park along the riverfront are living reminders of a history we carry with pride.
Gallia County at a Glance
| County Seat | Gallipolis |
| Founded | 1803 |
| Named For | Gallia, Latin for France |
| Population | Approximately 29,000 |
| Area | 471 square miles |
| Townships | 15 |
| Villages | 5 (Centerville, Cheshire, Crown City, Rio Grande, Vinton) |
How Can We Help?
Whether you need to pay your taxes, apply for assistance, look up a court record, or simply find the right office to call, this website is designed to connect you with the services and people who are here for you. Use the menu above to find your department, or visit our County Directory for a complete listing of offices and contact information.
We welcome your feedback. If something on this site is hard to find or if there is a way we can serve you better, please let us know. Gallia County government belongs to the people of Gallia County — and we never forget that.
Need help with accessibility? Read our Accessibility Statement or contact our ADA Coordinator, Tracy Atkins, at tatkins@galliacountyoh.gov.