Clifton in Greene County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve
Photographed By Craig Doda, June 25, 2022
1. Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve Marker
History- To the Shawnee Indians, Clifton Gorge was a refuge in time of trouble. To the pioneers, it was a barrier to travel. The nineteenth century industrialists valued its water power and filled it with mills. Today, as part of Ohio's state, nature preserve system, Clifton Gorge is protected for all of us.
Geology-As the last continental ice shed melted away some 13,000 years ago, a river of melt water poured south through this area, cutting the gorge. The bedrock it exposed is of Silurian age, deposited on an ocean floor 350 million years ago. The cliffs are made of dolomite, a calcium carbonate-magnesium rock. The talus steeps are formed in a layer of easily-eroded shale.
Natural History-The narrow gorge, floodplain, and surrounding uplands provide a variety of habitats for the more than 450 plant species identified here, including several listed as endangered. This diversity helps to support an equally interesting animal population only glimpsed by visitors.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Native Americans • Natural Features • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 39° 47.99′ N, 83° 50.149′ W. Marker is in Clifton, Ohio
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Nature's Calendar (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Clifton Gorge (approx. 0.2 miles away); Orton Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Paper Mill (approx. 0.3 miles away); John Bryan (approx. half a mile away); Clifton Gorge Marker (approx. half a mile away); Historical Clifton (approx. half a mile away); Clifton Mill (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clifton.
Photographed By Craig Doda, June 25, 2022
2. Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, June 25, 2022
3. Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, June 25, 2022
4. Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, June 25, 2022
5. Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, June 25, 2022
6. Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 164 times since then and 44 times this year. Last updated on January 25, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 25, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 10, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
