1830
By 1850, Jackson, Ohio was one of the largest Welsh settlements in the United States.
The area, known as “Little Cardiganshire” had started twenty years earlier when charcoal iron workers in Southern Wales migrated to iron-rich Jackson and Gallia Counties.
1897
Over 4,400 people attended the first “Grand Eisteddfod.” The event was held in three separate sessions inside a large pavilion at the old fairgrounds in Jackson.
The Eisteddfod, organized by Eben Jones, was called a “Song Fest” and featured an adjudicator named Daniel Protheroe (above), a well-known Welsh composer and vocalist. More information about Protheroe can be found here.
1922
The Southeast Ohio Eisteddfod Association hosted the first annual Eisteddfod in Jackson on October 22, 1922. John E. Jones, above, president of the Globe Iron Company, was the founder of the annual event. His father, Eben Jones, organized the first Eisteddfods in Jackson County in 1875 and 1879. More on Globe Iron can be found here.
1924
R.R. “Bulldog” Thomas, far right, was brought to Jackson to establish the school Eisteddfod in 1924. Thomas was the music teacher for the Jackson schools as well as the director for the annual school Eisteddfod. He retired in 1937 and D. Merrill Davis took over the position from 1938-1974.
1928
Construction was completed for the Eisteddfod Auditorium in 1928. This was the only building in the United States erected solely for the purpose of holding Eisteddfods.
The Southeast Ohio Eisteddfod Association purchased three acres near downtown Jackson and raised the $28,000 needed to build the auditorium. The building had a seating capacity of 4,000 and a stage that could hold choruses of 300 to 500 people.
1930
Jackson beat out Chicago and Pittsburgh for the honor of hosting the National Eisteddfod in 1930. An estimated 10,000 people came to town for the event. Twenty choirs from around the United States and Canada vied for the $600. purse in the mixed chorus category.
1940
One thousand people attended the Eisteddfod on October 24 and 25, 1940. Because of declining economic conditions and the onset of WWII, the Eisteddfod came to an end in Jackson.
2007
The Jackson city school Eisteddfod still continues and offers elementary students a vocal competition with traditional and historic songs. The junior high school level offers vocal competition along with that of musical instruments.