On Ohio Route 274 at U.S. 127, on the right when traveling east on State Route 274.
The Carthagena Black Cemetery (Union Cemetery) is a remnant of approximately 70 documented rural black and mulatto rural settlements established throughout Ohio before the Civil War. After the Cincinnati riots against blacks in 1829, Quaker . . . — — Map (db m110110) HM
Near Ohio Route 274 east of Stelzer Road, on the right when traveling east.
In prayerful remembrance of The Precious Blood Missionaries who died while serving in the society's Latin American missions and are not buried here.
Rev. Arthur Grevencamp C.Pps. 1920-1950, Ordained 1946 •
Rev. Edward Novotny C.Pp. S. . . . — — Map (db m239115) HM
On Ohio Route 274 east of U.S. 127, on the right when traveling east.
Pioneers
Buehler August • De Curtins Anth'y • Kunkler Blastus • Piekenbrock Aug. • Schlosser John • Thobe Henry • Van Den Bosch Sen. • Will George
1866 Buehler John • Severt Hermann • Stabuglery Mat. • 1868 Blattau John • . . . — — Map (db m239091) HM
On South Main Street (U.S. 127) at Lake Shore Drive, on the left when traveling south on South Main Street.
One of the striking impressions that Celina's lighthouse leaves is that it is not often approached through seas of grain. The level countryside around Celina and Grand Lake represents this area's founding father's dreams, a land of bountiful . . . — — Map (db m193117) HM
On South Main Street (U.S. 127) 0.1 miles south of Lake Shore Drive, on the right when traveling north.
Celina City Hall was built in 1800 at the northeast corner of Lovingston and Main Streets. It exhibits the characteristics of the Richardsonian Romanesque style of architecture popular in the late 1800's. This architectural style is known for its . . . — — Map (db m166653) HM
On South Main Street (U.S. 127) at Lake Shore Drive, on the left when traveling south on South Main Street.
The town of Celina was founded and named by James W. Riley in 1834. As a young man, he had achieved the position of captain of merchant ships. It seems fitting that the lighthouse calls to mind Capt. Riley's love of the sea. With his
nautical . . . — — Map (db m193118) HM
On S. Main Street, on the left when traveling south.
Named for General Hugh Mercer, a distinguished officer of the Revolution, Mercer County was established in 1820 by a
legislative act creating counties from the land within Ohio ceded by the Indians. The configuration of the County
then included . . . — — Map (db m193092) HM
On South Main Street (U.S. 127) 0.1 miles south of Lake Shore Drive, on the right when traveling north.
Wisconsin age glacial deposits of clay silt soils cover dolomite limestone bedrock in this area.
Geologists tell us that this limestone bedrock was created 400 million years ago during the Silurian
Geologic age: During this age the area we now . . . — — Map (db m166629) HM
On S. Main Street (U.S. 127), on the right when traveling north.
Whats with the name? This lake has been known under different names. When it was first constructed
as the Grand Reservoir for the Miami-Erie Canal. Location of that during construction to the local residents may
called it something else not as . . . — — Map (db m166626) HM
On South Main Street (U.S. 127) 0.1 miles south of Lake Shore Drive, on the right when traveling north.
1. Historic downtown Celina is on the National Registry of Historic Places, It contains a rich and varied
collection of architectural styles from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Included are the Courthouse and
City Hall and many two . . . — — Map (db m166639) HM
On West Bank Road (Ohio Route 703), on the right when traveling south.
Grand Lake St. Marys was constructed between 1837 and 1845
as a feeder reservoir for the Miami and Erie Canal. The
reservoir provided a constant source of water for the
canal through a feeder canal located at the eastern
embankment of the lake. . . . — — Map (db m83247) HM
On South Main Street (U.S. 127) just south of Lake Shore Drive, on the right when traveling north.
Once the lake began to be used for recreational purposes, improvements were made to enhance it. One of the first was the installation
of concrete sea walls and riprap at both ends of the lake. The primary objective of these was to protect the . . . — — Map (db m166628) HM
On S. Main Street, on the left when traveling south.
Oil Wells
This lake is arguably the site of the first off shore oil wells in the world. Oil was discovered in this area in the 1850's. Oil wells
built by wildcatters sprang up all across the lake. It is estimated that over 150 oil wells were . . . — — Map (db m193116) HM
On South Main Street (U.S. 127) 0.1 miles south of Lake Shore Drive, on the right when traveling north.
Mercer County Court House was built in 1918, It's stated that architect's intention was to
make the Mercer County Court House a Landmark. Donated in honor of Greece the birthplace of democracy. The building design was called "Greek Revival" here . . . — — Map (db m166632) HM
On South Ash Street just south of East Logan Street, on the right when traveling north.
In honor of
the fallen heroes
of Mercer County
Who at the call of their country entered the service to fight for the highest of American principles. — — Map (db m161331) WM
On South Main Street (U.S. 127) 0.1 miles south of Lake Shore Drive, on the right when traveling north.
1. Eden Haden Park
This 55 acre Mercer County park was established in 1972. It is located on Haden Road
4 miles north of SR 29. It has a dense wood lot along with a 2 acre pond and
playfield. It and farmland to support its maintenance were . . . — — Map (db m166630) HM
On South Main Street (U.S. 127) 0.1 miles south of Lake Shore Drive, on the right when traveling north.
Prehistoric Indians
Man's first occupation of this area is marked by the discovery of prehistoric artifacts. Evidence shows that this
area was used primarily as a hunting grounds. Items, such as flint spear and arrow points, stone tools and . . . — — Map (db m166659) HM
On Karch Road (County Route 75) at Swamp Road (County Route 130a), on the right on Karch Road.
For God and country we have served for peace
(5 logos)
Veterans Memorial
donated by Celina Post 120 & Coldwater Post 470
dedicated July 4, 1976 — — Map (db m83305) WM
On East Market Street, on the right when traveling east.
The museum of the Mercer County Historical Society, the Riley Home, represents six generations of the Riley family in the county. The first Riley to arrive here was Captain James Riley, who surveyed the area in 1819, after it was opened to . . . — — Map (db m12294) HM
On East Market Street (Ohio Route 703) just east of Harbor Point Drive, on the right when traveling east.
World War I Honor Roll
In honor of the fallen heroes of Mercer County who at the call of their country fought for the highest American principles.
Charles C. Adams • William Adams • Clem A. Beckman • Robert Birkmeyer • Hubert H. Bretz . . . — — Map (db m244693) WM
On Ohio Route 274 east of U.S. 127, on the right when traveling east.
1861 Sept. 28 First Baptism John, son of Mich. Mueller Cath. Schlosser in the old Emlen Institute built 1836 by the Right Rev. Jos, Dwenger C. PP. S. D.D.
Rev. Aloys Schelbert C. PP. S.
Organized:
Buehler August • De Curtins Anth • . . . — — Map (db m239090) HM
On North 2nd Street (Ohio Route 118) 0.1 miles north of North Street, on the left when traveling north.
In recognition of those who came before us; to those who first tread Coldwater Creek; who basked in Buzzard's Glory and brought with them a village… To those who call themselves…
"The Cavaliers"
The First Settlers • The Shopkeepers . . . — — Map (db m244183) HM
On West Vine Street, on the left when traveling east.
Dedicated to all who gave to the cause of freedom These men gave the supreme sacrifice World War I Pvt. Robert B. Birkmeyer • Pvt. Joseph A. Buschur • S2C Clotaire S. Desch • Pvt. Herbert F. Gottes • Pvt. Edward W. Hay • Pvt. Leo . . . — — Map (db m240872) WM
On Cranberry Road (County Route 115) at Ft. Recovery Minster Road (County Route 30), on the left when traveling north on Cranberry Road.
Dedication: 30 September 1906
Architect: William P. Ginther (1859- 1933), Akron, OH
Contractor: Nicholas A. Ley, Minster, OH
The parish, established in 1856 by German immigrants, was a daughter parish of St. Henry and named in honor of . . . — — Map (db m239063) HM
On Wayne Street north of West Butler Street (Ohio Route 119), on the left when traveling north.
During the 1880's, this building was constructed to accommodate two businesses on the first floor and a very impressive Opera House on the second floor.
The Opera House was the center of community and school activities for many years. The . . . — — Map (db m215045) HM
On Wayne Street north of West Butler Street (Ohio Route 119), on the left when traveling north.
Adam Schneider, a highly esteemed citizen of Fort Recovery, was born in Germany. He came to America in 1881, where he joined his three brothers, Charles, Frederick and Peter, who were engaged in business in Fort Recovery. He entered into several . . . — — Map (db m215044) HM
On Wayne Street north of Butler Street (Ohio Route 119), on the right when traveling north.
The Italianate architecture of this building was originally highlighted by two very large bracketed cornices that bore the name G. J. Volz. Godfrey John Volz operated a successful restaurant on the first floor of the building and offered rooms on . . . — — Map (db m215042) HM
On Fort Site Street near West Boundary Street, on the right when traveling south.
Bottom panel of text:
You are looking towards the high ground and ridge where an estimated 1,400 American Indian warriors assembled in a crescent formation before attacking St. Clair's army. The American Indian alliance consisted of . . . — — Map (db m137438) HM
On Fort Site Street south of West Boundary Street, on the right when traveling south.
The American Indian tribes living in this region
at the time of the Indian wars were not
originally from the area. The Delaware had
been pushed westward into this region by
the expansion of European settlement in the
eastern United States. . . . — — Map (db m136941) HM
On Fort Site Street just north of West Butler Street (Ohio Route 119), on the right when traveling south.
Background of the Log Home and Original Owners
The land the log cabin originally sat on was purchased from the United
States government by Adam Kock of Pennsylvania, on November 10, 1840
as part of a 240-acre block. The prices was $1.25 . . . — — Map (db m166662) HM
On Wayne Street at West Boundary Street, on the right when traveling south on Wayne Street.
"Musketballs were heard continually striking against the pickets and logs of the blockhouses, and whizzlng over the heads of those in the garrison."
Isaac Paxton of Captain Alexander Gibson's rifle company
On June 29, 1794, . . . — — Map (db m137493) HM
On Fort Site Street south of West Boundary Street, on the right when traveling south.
Although Brigadier General Harmar's campaign was considered a victory for the American Indians, it devastated their homelands. Harmar's troops burned five Shawnee, Miami, and Delaware villages along the Maumee river and destroyed over 20,000 . . . — — Map (db m137373) HM
On Wayne Street at West Boundary Street, on the right when traveling south on Wayne Street.
As a direct result of the Battle of the Wabash, the Legion of the United States was formed in 1792 with Major General Anthony Wayne appointed as the Commanding General. In 1793, Wayne led a third U.S. military campaign to control the Northwest . . . — — Map (db m137444) HM
On Gwendolyn Street south of Washington Street, on the right when traveling south.
Pioneer Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in Mercer County, with burials from 1812 to 1873. Those buried here were some of the first Euro-Americans who settled the area. Many of these families helped lay out the town of Fort Recovery, established . . . — — Map (db m137521) HM
On Butler Street (Ohio Route 119) at North Elm Street (Ohio Route 49), on the right when traveling east on Butler Street.
Dr. Victor Grasson, a hero of the Indian Wars was killed while caring for the wounded during General Arthur St. Clair's defeat here, November 4, 1791. — — Map (db m22688) HM
On Butler Street (Ohio Route 119) at North Elm Street (Ohio Route 49), on the right when traveling east on Butler Street.
[West side of Monument]
This monument was erected by the Congress to commemorate the valor and perpetuate the memory of the heroic soldiers who were slain in those two memorable conflicts of the North West Territory the defeat of Arthur . . . — — Map (db m20355) HM
On Fort Site Street just north of West Butler Street (Ohio Route 119), on the left when traveling north.
The site of Fort Recovery has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the Untied States Department of the Interior.
Battle of the Wabash, November 4, 1791
Battle of Fort Recovery, June 30-July 1, 1794 — — Map (db m166664) HM
Gen. Richard Butler
was Killed by Indians
beneath a tree which stood
on the site of this building
- - - in - - -
St. Clair's Defeat
November 4, 1791 — — Map (db m20271) HM
Near Fort Site Street west of West Boundary Street.
At this spot was found the original surveyor's stake which marked the western terminus of that part of the Greene Ville Treaty line running from near Fort Laurens, in the eastern part of the state, to Fort Recovery. From this point the line ran . . . — — Map (db m20265) HM
On Fort Site Street south of West Boundary Street, on the right when traveling south.
Top-Left panel of text:
St. Clair's Kentucky Militia (approximately 300 men) camped in general vicinity of the shelter houses across from the Wabash River in Ambassador Park. The 1,400 warriors of the American Indian alliance assembled . . . — — Map (db m137384) HM
On Wayne Street at West Boundary Street, on the right when traveling south on Wayne Street.
"Let the ends of the blockhouses present outwards, with three embrasures in each for a small howitz. The shutters of which must be musket proof as well as the door or doors of the sally ports."
--In a letter from Wayne to Burbeck (1793) . . . — — Map (db m137498) HM
On Fort Site Street south of West Boundary Street, on the right when traveling south.
About 14,000 years ago, the last glacier receded from this area. Mastodons, mammoths, and giant beavers, roamed the region. The ancestors of American Indians arrived in Ohio during this time. These Paleoindians were hunters and gatherers. By 800 BC, . . . — — Map (db m136902) HM
On Fort Site Street south of West Boundary Street, on the right when traveling south.
On Christmas Day 1793, General Anthony Wayne detached soldiers from Greenville to construct a fort at the site of the 1791 battle. Within five days, a work large enough to house 250 men and capable of defending against musket fire was completed - . . . — — Map (db m136923) HM
On Fort Site Street south of West Boundary Street, on the right when traveling south.
On this triangle of land between the rivers, Indian forces under Chiefs Little Turtle (Miami) and Blue Jacket (Shawnee) surrounded and attacked General Arthur St. Clair's troops on November 4, 1791. Of his 1,300 soldiers, well over half were killed . . . — — Map (db m136920) HM
On Gwendolyn Street at Washington Street on Gwendolyn Street.
Pioneer Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in Mercer County and is the final resting place for many of the early pioneers who first settled in the Fort Recovery area. The large marker on this site lists the names of those buried here.
Temporary . . . — — Map (db m90936) HM WM
On Fort Site Street south of West Boundary Street, on the right when traveling south.
For over ten thousand years, American Indian tribes called the land east of the Mississippi River their home. The 1783 Treaty of Paris ended the American Revolutionary War with Britain ceding to the U.S. all land east of the Mississippi River, north . . . — — Map (db m137372) HM
On Washington Street at Gwendolyn Street on Washington Street.
Placed in 1951 in memory of Samuel McDowell 1770-1847 Soldier
General St. Clair's Army 1791
General Wilkinson's Army 1792
General Wayne's Army 1793-1794
Pioneer Settler 1838
by His Descendants and the Fort Recovery Historical . . . — — Map (db m90934) HM
Near West Butler Street near Fort St Clair Street.
Beneath the white oak rests an unknown Sha'anoe warrior. To his memory and in memory of his brothers killed here in the battles at Fort Recovery we erect this monument. September 10, 1983 "Weshecatweloo Keweshelawaypa"
(Let Us Always Do Good) — — Map (db m90932) HM
On Fort Site Street just south of West Boundary Street, on the right when traveling south.
On November 4, 1791 on this triangle of land between the rivers, Indian forces under Chief Little Turtle (Miamis) and Blue Jacket (Shawnees), surrounded General Arthur St. Clair's troops. Of his 1,200 soldiers, 900 were killed. It was the worst . . . — — Map (db m165768) HM
On Fort Site Street south of West Boundary Street, on the left when traveling south.
St. Clair’s Defeat, 1791. Native Americans inhabited and used much of the land in the Ohio valley as hunting grounds. As American settlers pushed west, conflicts resulted and attempts at peaceful settlement failed. Under political pressure, . . . — — Map (db m20333) HM
On Fort Site Street at West Boundary Street, on the left when traveling north on Fort Site Street.
St. Clair's Defeat
When American pioneers attempted to settle the Northwest Territory following the Ordinance of 1787, the Indians, aided by the British fought fiercely for their homes. The first United States army sent to break the Indian . . . — — Map (db m168413) HM
On Fort Site Street, on the right when traveling south.
"Strong, tall, red headed Nance clung her baby tight, and ferociously wielding her frying pan, held off the brutal Indian attackers." St. Clair Battle, 1791 — — Map (db m99335) HM
On Fort Site Street south of West Boundary Street, on the right when traveling south.
The final battle of the Northwest Indian War, Fallen Timbers, took place on August 20, 1794 in present-day Maumee, near Toledo, less than two months after the Battle of Fort Recovery. The American Indians' loss in the Battle of Fallen Timbers led . . . — — Map (db m137524) HM
On Wayne Street south of East Boundary Street, on the right when traveling south.
The Battle
of Fort Recovery
1794
Blockhouse Scene
Donated by
Many Generous Financial Donors
Many In-Kind Supporters/Donors
Artist Dan Keyes — — Map (db m136859) HM
On Fort Site Street south of West Boundary Street, on the right when traveling south.
On June 30 and July 1, 1794, 200 well-trained
soldiers, under the command of Captain Alexander
Gibson, successfully defended this fort against the
frontal, relentless attack of 2,500 Indians led by
Little Turtle, Blue Jacket, and obvious . . . — — Map (db m136934) HM
On Fort Site Street near West Boundary Street, on the right when traveling south.
Since 2010, the Applied Anthropology Laboratories (AAL), in the Department of Anthropology at Ball State University has conducted archeology research on this battlefield with funding from the National Park Service American Battlefield Protection . . . — — Map (db m137526) HM
On Fort Site Street south of West Boundary Street, on the right when traveling south.
Given in memory of Herbert J. Franke, 1911-1988, by his family and dedicated on July 25, 1993, this walkway is designed to give visitors not only a pleasant passage between Fort Recovery parks but also to give them a brief overview of the . . . — — Map (db m137369) HM
The Greeneville Treaty established a boundary line between Indian and Federal land. This line was crossed in 1836 when the plot for the town of Recovery was laid out. David Beardslee laid out the land north; William McDaniel and David Larkin, the . . . — — Map (db m136890) HM
On Fort Site Street south of West Boundary Street, on the right when traveling south.
"On my way to the center of the camp, I met pale, frightened men running in all directions. Numerous dead bodies …, proved that many of the Indians had been there before me."
--Kentucky Militiaman Robert . . . — — Map (db m137381) HM
On Fort Site Street south of West Boundary Street, on the left when traveling south.
Imagine the scene that unfolded here on the frigid evening of November 3, 1791. St. Clair's main encampment of about 900 people was set up in a rectangle on this high ground with the Wabash River to the west, squeezed in by Buck Run to the south, . . . — — Map (db m137421) HM
On Fort Site Street south of West Boundary Street, on the right when traveling south.
The depression in the land before you is the bed of the original Wabash (Ouabache) River. (In the early 1900's, it was rerouted to its present course just west
of here.) It was one of the main highways of Indian travel through the region. To the . . . — — Map (db m136904) HM
On Elm Road (Ohio Route 49) south of East Boundary Street, on the left when traveling south.
"This splendid granite shaft, handsome in its proportions; durable in its material; permanent in its foundation and pedestal, and simple in its purity and design, we now dedicate to commemorate the last resting place of those of our heroic . . . — — Map (db m137514) HM
On Fort Site Street south of West Boundary Street, on the right when traveling south.
In 1990 the old Equity Dairy property adjacent to the museum was purchased with the VanTrees donation. With the support of a community united to make its 1991 bicentennial year one not to be forgotten, the VanTrees Park not only became a reality but . . . — — Map (db m137371) HM
On Darke-Mercer County Line Rd (Ohio Route 49) at Darke - Mercer County Line, on the right when traveling north on Darke-Mercer County Line Rd.
South Side
“Oubache’ was the French name for the Wabash – an Indian word meaning white. La Salle in 1669, was the first white man to explore this stream. Long it had been a link in a well- used route for red warriors and . . . — — Map (db m74353) HM
On East Boundary Street east of Wayne Street, on the right when traveling east.
"Finding no great effect from our fire, and confusion beginning to
spread from the great number of men who were falling in all quarters, it
became necessary to try what could be done with the bayonet."
--Major General Arthur St. . . . — — Map (db m137502) HM
On Fort Site Street south of West Boundary Street, on the right when traveling south.
• Welcome to the Fort Recovery Battlefield Walking Tour! The tour is approximately 1.5 miles and will help you understand the Battle of the Wabash (1791) and the Battle of Fort Recovery (1794). Tours are self-guided. For additional information on . . . — — Map (db m137531) HM
The Sisters of the Precious Blood, founded in Switzerland by Maria Anna Brunner in 1834, began their ministry of prayer and education in Mercer County here at Maria Stein (Our Lady of the Rock). Father Francis de Sales Brunner, a Missionary of the . . . — — Map (db m113595) HM
Near Saint Johns Road north of Erie Drive, on the left when traveling north.
In this hallowed ground over 530 sisters are buried dating deaths from 1852 to 1967 when the cemetery was closed to burials. These sisters ministered throughout the local area educating children and caring for orphans, but most importantly, as a . . . — — Map (db m239069) HM
On Ohio Route 119, on the left when traveling west.
(three American Legion logos)
American Legion Post 571
Maria Stein
Veterans Memorial
Dedicated to the Veterans of all
wars and or conflicts who
honorably served and to those
who gave their lives in the
service of our country
(five service . . . — — Map (db m94415) WM
On Ohio Route 119 west of Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling west.
In commemoration of its 150 years of existence. First Catholic Parish in present day Mercer County. First mass celebrated June 24, 1836 by Father Henry Damian Juncker. — — Map (db m239068) HM
On Ohio Route 119 at St. Johns Road (County Route 171), on the right when traveling west on State Route 119.
Dedication: 17 November 1891
Architect: Adophus Druiding (1838- 1899), Chicago, IL
Contractor: Anton DeCurtins (1829- 1895), Carthagena, OH
This historic parish was organized in 1835 by a group of German
immigrants, primarily from Oldenburg, . . . — — Map (db m155159) HM
Near Ohio Route 119 west of Clune Stucke Road, on the right when traveling east.
This is dedicated to all who serve this flag, be it armed services, public service, or out of love and respect for the United States of America. — — Map (db m239070) WM
General Wayne built Fort Adams
in August, 1794, on his northward move from
Cincinnati in the Indian Wars. The fort, which
was located approximately ¼ mile east of
here, on the north bank of the river, was
one of the smaller units in a chain . . . — — Map (db m78498) HM
On U.S. 127 north of Ohio Route 707, on the right when traveling north. Reported missing.
Site of
Fort Adams
One-fourth mile east.
Built by General Wayne
In August 1794.
A deserter from this fort
warned the Indians of
the American approach. — — Map (db m136595) HM
On South Green Street at Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling north on South Green Street.
This Memorial to our school was built by the Alumni in 2011. The Sandstone archway and nameplates are from the 1910 building. The Bell was donated by the Hamilton Bethel Church, Mercer Road.
Thanks to the hard work and dedication to the . . . — — Map (db m240868) HM
On South Main Street, on the left when traveling north.
On this lot laid the tracks and the Mendon depot of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton railroad. The C. H. & D. operated in Mendon from 1878 to 1923 as a narrow gauge rail, 3 ft. 6 in. wide. It provided local residents a transportation outlet as well . . . — — Map (db m240864) HM
On West Bridge Street (U.S. 33) just east of North Jay Street, on the left when traveling east.
Whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve, is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to the "United States of America", for an amount of "up to and including my life."
Their sacrifice . . . — — Map (db m191015) WM
On West Bridge Street (U.S. 33) at North Jay Street, on the right when traveling west on West Bridge Street.
(left marker)
Erected by Citizens
of this community
as a tribute
to all veterans
Lest we forget
(right marker)
This historic site was:
ages old Indian village,
camp, and river crossing
for armies of Celeron, . . . — — Map (db m44019) HM