Oldtown in Greene County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Welcome
Great Council State Park
Photographed by Pete Skillman, June 26, 2025
1. Welcome Marker
Transformation of the Ohio Country
Once known as the "Ohio Country," this land was originally inhabited by Native Nations such as the Shawnee and Miami. Over time, explorers and settlers arrived, displacing the indigenous peoples. In 1803, the majority of the Ohio Country--north and west of the Ohio River--officially became the State of Ohio.
Today, there are three federally recognized Shawnee Tribes, located in Oklahoma. The interpretive center at Great Council State Park offers valuable insights into Shawnee culture and history.
A Brief History of Oldtown
Where you're now standing was one of the last locations of the Shawnee capital called Chillicothe and known today as Oldtown. Led by Chief Blackfish, it was a vibrant settlement of around 1,000 residents. The site also served as a strategic base for raids on encroaching settlers in Kentucky.
Founded in the 1770s, traditions recall this village as the birthplace of famed Shawnee warrior Tecumseh, though some historians dispute this as fact.
In 1779, Kentucky militia forces attacked the settlement, mortally wounding Chief Blackfish. The village
this page online
Becoming Great Council State Park
European settlers moved into the area by 1797. During the 1800s homes, mills, and a school were built. The former site of Chillicothe grew into the village of Oldtown we know today.
The village school closed in the mid 1900s and later became the Tecumseh Motel. In 2021, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources acquired and demolished the motel, paving the way for the present interpretive center.
Today, let's explore how prairies change from season to season.
In early spring, the prairie plants are tucked below ground, waiting for warm days.
From late spring into summer, the prairie is mostly green. A few early summer flowers bloom before tall grasses grow up above them.
In late summer, some plants grow to eight feet tall! Blooming plants like prairie dock and sawtooth sunflower create spots of color among the sea of green. Butterflies and other insects can be seen flying among the flowers.
[Captions:]
Hi, I'm Siikona!
Find my inside to learn more about Oldtown and Shawnee history. Woof, woof!
Victory Coat by Doug Hall, artist, 2007
Purple Coneflower
Erected 2024
Photographed by Pete Skillman, June 26, 2025
2. Welcome Marker - wide view
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 39° 43.744′ N, 83° 56.256′ W. Marker is in Oldtown, Ohio, in Greene County. It can be reached from U.S. 68. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1587 US-68, Xenia OH 45385, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Dayton Metro and in the Miami Valley. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Discover (here, next to this marker); Blackfish Trail (a few steps from this marker); Site of Old Chillicothe (a few steps from this marker); Daniel Boone Memorial (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Daniel Boone Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Chillicothe (within shouting distance of this marker); Council House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Old Chillicothe (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oldtown.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Wilmington, Delaware. This page has been viewed 133 times since then and 33 times this year. Last updated on October 7, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 30, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Wilmington, Delaware. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
