Defiance Rotary Club 75th Anniversary
1921 - 1996
This area was first seen by the Europeans c. 1650, and following the Indian Wars, the first white settlers arrived in the spring of 1815.
Five prehistoric Indian mounds were found in this area.
The three rivers, prior to paved roads, were used by the Indian, French and American Traders and War Parties, traveling to and from the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico.
Defiance, surrounded by the Great Black Swamp, provided high dry land for trading and settlement.
During the late 1700's and early 1800's, many indicted trading posts were operating here, especially near the Fort Defiance site.
Daniel Boone, while a captive of the Miami Indians, passed through here in 1778.
A great Indian council convened here in 1792.
In the period 1809 other Indian leaders passed through here enlisting support against the Americans.
Many old French-Indian apple trees were found growing along the area river banks.
Defiance City was incorporated in 1836.
Defiance was located in Williams County until Defiance County was established during 1845.
Erected 1996 by Defiance Rotary Club.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Native Americans
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Location. 41° 17.358′ N, 84° 21.515′ W. Marker is in Defiance, Ohio, in Defiance County. Marker is on East River Drive (Ohio Route 424) 0.2 miles east of Clinton Street (Ohio Route 18), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 123 E River Dr, Defiance OH 43512, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. You Are On The Buckeye Trail (here, next to this marker); Pontiac Park (a few steps from this marker); Bark Cabin Home of Coohcoohe (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Defiance Native (about 400 feet away); French Indian Apple Tree (about 400 feet away); Pontiac Birthplace (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named You Are On The Buckeye Trail (about 500 feet away); Geo. Ironside (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Defiance.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 12, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 10, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 104 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 10, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
