Near Yellow Springs in Greene County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Orton Memorial
Not Neglected, Not Forgotten, Just Hard to Get To
— Deep in the Woods of John Bryan State Park —
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, September 12, 2014
1. Orton Memorial plaque, showing text
1829-1899
He loved the youth of the land and inspired them to seek education. He taught them to build a soul. He advocated the beautiful religion of Jesus Christ. Especially did he inspire them with a love for nature. He implored them to uphold with staunch citizenship their country as founded by Washington, Jefferson, Horace Mann, and Abraham Lincoln.
Hugh Taylor Birch
Erected 1938 by Hugh Taylor Birch.
Topics and series. This historical marker and memorial is listed in this topic list: Environment. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series list.
Location. 39° 47.824′ N, 83° 50.339′ W. Marker is near Yellow Springs, Ohio, in Greene County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of hiking trail in John Bryan State Park. Marker is located in the DEEP WOODS, with ONLY a trail access.
Marker can be reached from two trails. Option #1, enter John Bryan State Park on Ohio St Rt 370 southbound off of St Rt 343, between Clifton and Yellow Springs. Entering the park through the main gate, continue southeast past the Park Office, through several picnic areas, eventually east and northeast,
this page online
There are multiple trailheads from this lot. (The “John Bryan” monument is at the northeast corner.) At the very north side of the parking lot is a closed gate, and a sign for the “Orton Memorial Trail”. The trail is 3 to 4 feet wide, packed dirt. Not quite ¼ mile into the woods, the trail reaches the brink of the gorge at a double “tee” intersection. The main trail runs southwest to northeast along the top of the cliffs. The “Orton Memorial Trail” cuts back to the northwest a couple hundred feet to a clearing. The Orton Memorial Monument stands at the far side of the clearing.
Option #2 is to park at the trail head parking lot on St Rt 343, just west of Clifton. The main trails lead to the gorge from the parking lot. The Orton Memorial Trail cuts off more to the southwest, away from the gorge. Again, it is approximately ¼ mile to the junction of four trails, with the short leg to the northwest and the clearing.
It is easily ½ mile through the woods from the Gorge Trailhead
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, September 12, 2014
2. Orton Memorial plaque, with text and artwork
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Paper Mill (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Bryan (approx. ¼ mile away); Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve (approx. ¼ mile away); Nature's Calendar (approx. ¼ mile away); Clifton Gorge (approx. 0.4 miles away); Camp Birch (approx. half a mile away); Clifton Gorge Marker (approx. 0.6 miles away); Historical Clifton (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Yellow Springs.
Regarding Orton Memorial. Edward Orton Sr., was a naturalist and geologist, who served as president of Antioch College. He later served as president of Ohio State University. He was a close companion of Horace Mann, and Hugh Taylor Birch. Glen Helen is named after Birch's daughter. John Bryan State Park, Clifton Gorge, Glen Helen, and multiple youth camps are all a part of this area.
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, September 12, 2014
3. Orton Memorial Marker close up
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, September 12, 2014
4. Orton Memorial in clearing, in deep woods above Clifton Gorge
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, September 12, 2014
5. Orton Memorial Trail Head, at Orton parking Lot, in John Bryan State Park
gate is locked, trail is packed earth 3 to 4 feet wide, fairly level
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, September 12, 2014
6. Orton Memorial Trail sign
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, September 13, 2014
7. John Bryan State Park map
Ohio Department of Natural Resources, printed 8-13,
marked up, and colored by Dr. Ronald Irick
red star is Monument
blue arrow is Clifton Gorge Trail Head on St Rt 343
yellow arrow is Orton Trail Head at Orton Parking Lot, in John Bryan State Park
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, September 12, 2014
8. Orton Memorial Marker
my electric scooter, parked at the Orton Memorial
proof that I was there, and YOU can get there, too
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2014, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,240 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on September 13, 2014, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Al Wolf was the editor who published this page.
