Downtown in Dayton in Montgomery County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Van Cleve Park
In the latter half of the 1800's, James Campbell's home stood across the street from this spot, on Monument Avenue between Jefferson and St. Clair Streets. As a city council member, Campbell grew impatient with the eye sore that had developed on what is now Van Cleve Park. He envisioned a picturesque strip of land overlooking the river, but at the time the city used the property as a dumping ground. When he heard of plans to build a bakery there, Campbell realized this would be his last chance and bought the property for twenty-five dollars. With partners Richard C. Anderson and Samuel B. Smith, he deeded the land to the City of Dayton and restricted the deed to ensure that this ideal location on the river would always remain a park. Though it took sixteen years for the plan to become a reality, Van Cleve Park began its history as one of Dayton's most beautiful settings in 1892. The park was named for former Mayor John Van Cleve, perhaps to honor his efforts to beautify Dayton. Early pictures of the park, like the one above taken a few years after the park opened, show beautiful, carefully planted gardens and walking paths.
Erected by Montgomery County, City of Dayton, Five Rivers MetroParks, Miami Conservancy District, et al.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.
Location. 39° 45.864′ N, 84° 11.418′ W. Marker is in Dayton, Ohio, in Montgomery County. It is in Downtown. Marker is on a concrete column in RiverScape, Van Cleve Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 111 E Monument Avenue, Dayton OH 45402, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Newcom Tavern (here, next to this marker); The Great Dayton Flood of 1913 / And The Rivers Flowed Through The City (here, next to this marker); Benjamin Van Cleve (a few steps from this marker); John Van Cleve (within shouting distance of this marker); 1905 Wright Flyer III (within shouting distance of this marker); Before Silicon Valley There Was Dayton, Ohio (within shouting distance of this marker); The Birth of Aviation (within shouting distance of this marker); Charles F. Kettering (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dayton.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,580 times since then and 55 times this year. Last updated on September 6, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 12, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 4. submitted on July 19, 2009.