Roger T. Durbin
1920 - 2000
According to fellow World War II veteran and US Senator Bob Dole,
Roger T. Durbin was the public persona - the beacon - of the drive to
build a National World War II Memorial in out nations capital. . . . — — Map (db m225390) HM
The earliest improved public road west from Lake Erie to the Indiana border, the Territorial-Indiana Road was built by the U.S. Government in 1834-1835 through the Cottonwood Swamp, then a major obstacle to travel. It ran parallel to the Harris . . . — — Map (db m27756) HM
Follow the historic Towpath to the source of the canal water and a beautiful habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds. Peace, tranquility and a spectacular view with the sound of water flowing over the Providence Dam await you at the end of the path. . . . — — Map (db m173223) HM
America needed hope in
the early 1930s, as The Great
Depression took its toll.
Newly elected President
Franklin
D.
Roosevelt
implemented social programs,
such as the Works Progress
Administration (W.P.A) . . . — — Map (db m173228) HM
The first water powered grist mill near this sit was
built about 1885 by after manor, one of the earliest
white settlers in this region. The present mill built
in 1849. Was operated and owned by Isaac Ludwig under
permanent water rights granted . . . — — Map (db m173222) HM
The Wabash & Erie Canal opened between Toledo and Lafayette, Indiana, May 8, 1843. The Miami Extension Canal was completed to Junction, Ohio, on July 4, 1845, linking the Wabash & Erie Canal with Cincinnati and resulting in changing the canals . . . — — Map (db m19574) HM
Railroads signaled changing times for the
canals, making them obsolete before they
were even finished.
Only five years after the first spadesful of
dirt on the Miami and Erie Canal had been
dug, trains were already rolling into Ohio. . . . — — Map (db m173224) HM
Fr. Amadeus Rappe, Pastor of St. Francis
de Sales, Toledo, and Mission Pastor
of all Northwest Ohio, supervised the
building of this church in 1845.
Peter Manor donated the land, 40,000
bricks, and 5,000 ft. of black walnut
lumber for . . . — — Map (db m172753) HM
Legend has it that construction wasn't
easy. All towns wanted the canal because it
brought them prosperity. The townsfolk
living across the river in Gilead (Grand
Rapids) were so angry that their town was
not on the canal route that they . . . — — Map (db m173227) HM
The 150th Anniversary of the
Great Starvation
1845- 1850
In memory of those who
Perished and those who
fled starvation, death and
foreign oppression in
Ireland to seek justice,
freedom and a new way
of life in America.
(three . . . — — Map (db m132064) HM
A former hotel at this
site was once a popular
stopover for travelers in
the 1850s on the Miami
and Erie Canal. Folklore
tells us this old hotel had
questionable roots at
best. Reportedly once
a house of ill repute,
the hotel had . . . — — Map (db m173219) HM
The Towpath Trail, where mules once towed flat bottom
boats on the Miami & Erie Canal, connects three Metroparks
along the scenic Maumee River. Farnsworth overlooks three
islands in the river and the picturesque ruins of an Interurban
Bridge. . . . — — Map (db m173225) HM
Providence Dam: A roller dam across the Maumee
River is a scenic spot to fish or just relax. The dam
was built to divert water into the canal.
Providence Dam Area
Providence Dam Shelter (preservable)
Rangers & . . . — — Map (db m195581) HM
Providence Dam: A roller dam across the Maumee
River is a scenic spot to fish or just relax. The dam
was built to divert water into the canal.
Providence Dam Area
Providence Dam Shelter (reservable)
Rangers & . . . — — Map (db m195584) HM
The ghost town of Providence was once a booming
city with warehouses, shops, and the canal.
Colorful characters such as these would have been
seen throughout canal towns and villages. Thanks to illustrator Bill Kuhlman we have a peek at . . . — — Map (db m173218) HM
Life was not easy for the 50,000 people
who called Ohio home at the beginning
of the canal era.
It was difficult to send goods, travel
and receive mail. Governor Ethan Allan
Brown authorized canal construction to
help ease the . . . — — Map (db m173220) HM
The model next to you is a replica of
the turbine that runs the mill. A turbine
spins like a pinwheel, but uses water
instead of wind.
The Providence Dam, half-mile west,
directs water from the Maumee River
into the canal behind the . . . — — Map (db m173221) HM
It may surprise you that nature relies on
floods. Floods and adjacent lands called
floodplains allow rivers to purge excess
sand, silt, and pollution. Plants and shrubs
along the edge trap floodwater debris. The
earth itself filters . . . — — Map (db m173226) HM
Welcome
to Providence Metropark on the Maumee River, a place that connects the natural world
with the stories of people who lived here - their hopes, dreams and accomplishments.
The Maumee is the reason the
Miami and Erie Canal was . . . — — Map (db m173305) HM
When moving from one level of
a house to another, people
generally use stairs. Canal lock
construction follows the same
principle except that the water
levels become the stairs. Two sets
of large whaler gates contain
smaller wicket gates. . . . — — Map (db m195583) HM
Ice Age glaciers formed the distinct landscape of the Oak Openings Region, which is dominated by rolling sand dunes and wet prairies interrupted by clusters of oak trees. Although the sandy soil did not support agriculture well, the early . . . — — Map (db m94713) HM
Alexander Albert Drabik was born here, in a log cabin, on December 28, 1910 to John Drabik and Frances Lewandowski, Polish immigrants from Szymborze, Germany, now Poland. Alex, youngest son of 14 children, attended Door Street School. A meat . . . — — Map (db m94771) HM
[Front Side of Marker]: 41st Regiment of Foot - War of 1812
Near this site, in the War of 1812, stood the British encampment during the First Siege of Fort Meigs from May 1-9, 1813. This marker honors members of the 41st Regiment of . . . — — Map (db m65056) HM WM
As peace negotiations continued without success, General Wayne's slow and strenuous march through Ohio moved massive amounts of supplies, horses and artillery to support his 2,000 soldiers.
Along the way, Wayne's army built supply depots and . . . — — Map (db m90902) HM
Since the 1795 Treaty of Greenville,
Native Americans and settlers had
reached a tenuous peace.
But, the War of 1812 saw a
resurrection of old alliances.
This time the Native American
alliance would follow Shawnee
War Chief Tecumseh . . . — — Map (db m173283) HM
The British constructed Fort Miamis at the foot of the Maumee River rapids to challenge U.S. General Anthony Wayne and his Legionnaires marching through the Ohio country in 1794.
Besides preventing a U.S. advance on British-controlled . . . — — Map (db m173270) HM
Once assured the Western Confederacy was not returning, Wayne marched his troops within cannon range of Fort Miamis.
To assert American presence, Wayne encamped there and sent a series of letters to British Major William Campbell. After three . . . — — Map (db m90969) HM
The Western Confederacy united three prominent Nations: the Miami, Shawnee, and Delaware, with additional members from other Nations. Chief Little Turtle of the Miami, Blue Jacket of the Shawnee and Buckongahelas of the Delaware were the primary . . . — — Map (db m93110) HM
There were multiple noteworthy Americans at the Battle of Fallen Timbers and the Treaty of Greenville. Perhaps you've heard of a few?
William Henry Harrison
Served under General Anthony Wayne at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. . . . — — Map (db m91021) HM
In memory of all the American Indians who gave their lives at this place, including members of the following tribes. Chippewa Ottawa Delaware Potawatami Miami Shawnee Mingo Wyandot Dedicated August 20, 1994 . . . — — Map (db m85707) HM
In 1995, after years of research, Dr. G. Michael Pratt led an archeological survey on a field west of the floodplain previously believed to be the site of the battle.
A successful dig turned up artifacts such as buckshot, rifle fragments and . . . — — Map (db m93178) HM
This monument and nine-acre site commemorates the Battle of Fallen Timbers, fought August 20, 1794, between a confederation of Indian tribes and General Anthony Waynes Legion of the United States. Treaty of Greenville 1795General Anthony . . . — — Map (db m89200) HM
The Battle of Fallen Timbers, fought on August 20, 1794, is one of the most significant events relating to post-Revolutionary War America. Major General "Mad" Anthony Wayne led the Federal Army, known as The Legion of the United States against a . . . — — Map (db m54542) HM
After U.S. victory at the Battle of Fallen Timbers on August 20, 1794, the retreating American Indians fled to Fort Miamis. But the British troops - betraying earlier assurances - denied their Indian allies access to the fort.
U.S. troops . . . — — Map (db m173269) HM
To prepare for battle, warriors from the Western Confederacy followed a fasting ritual. An unexpected two-day wait, caused by General Wayne's construction of Camp Deposit, left the warriors famished and dehydrated.
On the morning of the battle, . . . — — Map (db m90903) HM
A large tree when mature; the bark is corky, thick, deeply furrowed with sharp, interlacing ridges. It is often regarded as the fastest growing tree species native to the United States. Legend has that Native Americans discovered the tepee design by . . . — — Map (db m228530) HM
The natural land features and geography of the land played a major role in determining the battle strategy for both forces.
This, combined with the thick forests and downed timber, caused by a tornado, was a landscape that favored the Western . . . — — Map (db m90927) HM
Feeling confident after defeating the British in the Revolutionary War, the U.S. stood little chance of success against the better ordered Western Confederacy forces. As a result the well-organized natives led by Little Turtle and Blue Jacket . . . — — Map (db m90318) HM
Resentment by the Indians against white encroachment reached a peck in the 1790s. Encouraged by the British, they began to raid settlements. Two poorly organized American military campaigns, led by General Josiah Harmar in 1790 and Governor Arthur . . . — — Map (db m165801) HM
On the Battlefield of Fallen Timbers, in unmarked graves, rest the brave soldiers of General Anthony Wayne's Legion of the United States and the Kentucky Volunteers, who were killed on August 20, 1794, in the victorious conflict with the Indians and . . . — — Map (db m181774) HM
(Front)
The Greenville Treaty
To General Anthony Wayne who organized the “Legion of the United States” by order of President Washington and defeated Chief Little Turtles warriors here at Fallen Timbers August 20, 1794. . . . — — Map (db m8175) HM
This park commemorates battles and treaties with the British and American Indians that led to the westward expansion of the United States and statehood for Ohio.
In the 1790s, residents of the newly formed United States were starting to . . . — — Map (db m65093) HM
Following the disastrous defeats of U.S. Generals Harmar and St. Clair by the Western Confederacy, President George Washington recalled Anthony Wayne from retirement to lead a new U.S. fighting force.
Over the course of two years, General Wayne . . . — — Map (db m90901) HM
This congregation was organized January 9, 1820 by 11 charter members. In 1837 the structure was completed on land reserved for religious purposes on the first Maumee plat. A British gun battery stood on the site in the War of 1812. Additions to the . . . — — Map (db m18772) HM
On this site in 1794, the British built Fort Miamis to block Gen. Anthony Wayne's expected march on Detroit. Its strategic location commanded both the land and water routes in the Maumee Valley. The post, constructed after the manner of the noted . . . — — Map (db m18738) HM
British Troops constructed Fort Miamis on the banks of the Maumee River between April and August of 1794 with the help of local American Indians.
Fort Miamis featured four bastions, a river battery, barracks, officers' quarters, supply . . . — — Map (db m173268) HM
As allies, the British government supported the Western Confederacy with supplies but did not authorize soldiers to assist in battle.
For the British, the garrison at Fort Miamis was strictly a defensive barrier to Wayne's march northward. The . . . — — Map (db m93177) HM
In the spring of 1813, British troops returned to the site of Fort Miamis to again ally with a determined American Indian Confederacy struggling to expel American settlers from their homeland. The British successfully landed troops and artillery . . . — — Map (db m173272) HM
Named for the Miami and Erie Canal's
'side cut' to Maumee City this canal land,
later abandoned, became the first Metropark.
Opened during the Great Depression, Side Cut
Metropark's landscape is dotted with remnants
of work done by 500 men . . . — — Map (db m173279) HM
Bricks used to frame this plaque were obtained from historic buildings in the City of Maumee. The City of Maumee likes to recognize the historic buildings it has or has lost. It has two historic districts, the Maumee Historic District and the . . . — — Map (db m228541) HM
Theodore Dreiser wrote in 1900 his famous novel, Sister Carrie, in this house. It was built in 1835 and altered to Greek Revival Style in 1844. Dreiser acquired it in 1899. The house possesses most of the features typical of the American . . . — — Map (db m25878) HM
Letters from 1794
From Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society
Vol. XXIV. Page 658-659.
LT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE TO LORD DORCHESTER.
Extracts from Lieut Governor Simcoe's letter to Lord Dorchester, dated Navy Hall Upper Canada, . . . — — Map (db m170992) HM
Before super highways, Ohio had the Miami
and Erie Canal. Running from Toledo to
Cincinnati, it included 106 locks which
allowed canal boats to move through many
elevation changes. The first six of these
locks were built for the bustling . . . — — Map (db m173280) HM
Originally Located in Maumee on Wabash-Erie Canal
Dedicated to Docents Alta Richardson and Eleanor Crosby
Donated by Wayne Pfleghaar — — Map (db m172763) HM
For nearly a century, this 98-acre site was occupied by an orphanage that, over the years, cared for several thousand destitute children. Founded in nearby Toledo in 1867 as the Protestant Orphan's Home, the orphanage became the Lucas County . . . — — Map (db m94699) HM
American House
This establishment grew up with Maumee from the earliest years Originally but in 1832, it was home to travelers and hosted countless balls, plays and banquets units demise in the late 1900s. A gas station, (etc.) subsequently . . . — — Map (db m228540) HM
Maumee City played a vital role in the
formative years of the American
experience. Fort Miamis, the oldest
fortification in Ohio, was constructed in
1680 at the future site of the city. Over 150
years later, the re-built fort housed . . . — — Map (db m173205) HM
Honor Roll
In loving memory of our war dead
World Wars I-II
World
War I
Pvt. William Charter
Sgt. Charles E. Doyle
Pvt. Paul D. Cone
Pvt. Henry Austin
World War II
Major Frank George Aigrisse
Pfc. Paul . . . — — Map (db m175492) WM
The Maumee River Rapids, made of exposed limestone bedrock, is an alvar, a habitat found only in Europe and here in the Great Lakes region. Alvars are rocky ledges with cycles of flooding and seasonal low water. Plants and animals live on the . . . — — Map (db m197335)
On March 5, 1817, Lieutenant Almon Gibbs, formerly of Army Lodge No. 24 at Fort Meigs, Perrysburg, formed Northern Light Lodge No. 40 "at Waynesfield" (now Maumee). Gibbs served as Worshipful Master, William Griffith as Senior Warden, and Charles . . . — — Map (db m67523) HM
This is a small to medium sized tree with a dense, oval to round form branching quite low. It is one of the first trees to leaf out in the spring. Indians named the fruit of this tree "buckeye" because it is dark brown with a large gray spot that . . . — — Map (db m228531) HM
In 1813, Indians led by Shawnee
War Chief Tecumseh and British
troops from Fort Miamis attacked
U.S. Fort Meigs, located across
the river near what is now
Perrysburg. General William
Henry Harrison's soldiers defended
these attacks and later . . . — — Map (db m173285) HM
The Fallen Timbers Battlefield and Fort Miamis National Historic site exists for the benefit and education of the public thanks to the dedication of preservationists across the country. Metroparks of the Toledo Area owns and protects Fort Miamis and . . . — — Map (db m93181) HM
A large wild and planted tree up to 120 feet in height that produces pecan nuts; it grows in moist, loamy soils and in mixed hardwood forests. The wood is used for furniture, flooring, veneer, and charcoal. The word pecan is of Algonquian Indian . . . — — Map (db m228536) HM
The Legion of 2,000 combatants was organized into four sub-legions, each containing companies of infantry, light infantry, riflemen and dragoons. Split into three columns the legion's left flank held the 2nd and 4th sub-legions, while the right . . . — — Map (db m90938) HM
Rotary
International
(1905-2005)
Rotary is a worldwide organization
of business and professional
leaders that provides humanitarian
service. encourages high ethical
standards in all vocations, and
helps build goodwill and peace . . . — — Map (db m173204) HM
Desperate to break the British and American Indian siege of Fort Meigs, General William Henry Harrison ordered 800 Kentucky Militia under Colonel William Dudley to cross the Maumee River and destroy the British batteries.
After seizing the . . . — — Map (db m173271) HM
On May 5, 1813, Colonel William Dudley and 800 Kentucky
Militia crossed the Maumee River where they successfully
disabled the British cannons firing on Fort Meigs. Colonel
Dudley died during the raid.
The rest of the Militia ignored orders . . . — — Map (db m173284) HM
The Side Cut section of the Miami and Erie Canal was completed in 1842 to provide a water connection from the canal down to the river at Maumee. It was two miles long with six limestone locks.
Canal locks acted like elevators to raise and . . . — — Map (db m173273) HM
Construction of roads and other
landscape changes have meant the
disappearance of much of the canal
system. Remnants such as locks can be
seen throughout our Metropark system. — — Map (db m173281) HM
Wayne's advance units of scouts and militia collided with the Native Confederacy's position in the dense forest. In a fierce fight, the U.S. forces were driven back to the main columns of the Legion.
Under the cover provided by the advance . . . — — Map (db m90935) HM
The Western Alliance faced a more formidable foe at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. Although losses were equal on both sides, rumors of eight slain chiefs discouraged the Western Confederacy. They retreated to where Swan Creek meets the Maumee River. . . . — — Map (db m90967) HM
Built between April and August of
1794 by British troops, Fort Miamis
featured four bastions, a river
battery, barracks, officers' quarters,
supply buildings and repair
shops. The outpost housed over
130 British troops. Fourteen
cannons . . . — — Map (db m173282) HM
During the Great Depression, over 300
companies closed in Toledo, and 50%
unemployment plagued the city. Federal
work programs like the WPA and CCC
employed thousands of Americans during
this time of hardship. In Toledo, these
men built the . . . — — Map (db m173206) HM
This Tablet
Marks the Path
Made previous to the
French and Indian War
By the Indians
Who called it
THE GREAT TRAIL
It extended from Detroit to
Pittsburg and was used by the
French and British and by
General Harrison in 1812. . . . — — Map (db m21882) HM
When American Pioneers attempted to settle the area north and west of the Ohio River, following the Ordinance of 1787, the Indians aided by the British in Canada, fought valiantly and fiercely for their homes in the Ohio Country. It required the . . . — — Map (db m173267) HM
Levi Beebe built in 1836 this structure then known as the Commercial Building housing stores, bank, and post office. During the canal era, the building was a stagecoach stop and social center for Maumee, the Lucas County seat until 1853. Later the . . . — — Map (db m27013) HM
Ohio's
Revolutionary
Memorial
Trail
Text on North Side :
Hull-Winchester Marches
1812 Marches 1813
- - - - -
5
Miles to
Hull's
Crossing
Text on South Side : . . . — — Map (db m93522) HM
In the summer of 1795, General Wayne and representatives of the Western Confederacy gathered at Fort Greenville in Ohio to negotiate a peace treaty.
After a long winter with few supplies, deep distrust of the British and minimal shelter, the . . . — — Map (db m90998) HM
Lower marker On this rock according to tradition, Chief Turkey Foot of the Ottawa Indians rallied his warriors during the Battle of Fallen Timbers. Here he was killed and for many years tribesmen made offerings of tobacco on the rock to . . . — — Map (db m19572) HM
After the American Revolution, the arrival of more settlers to the Ohio Country threatened the fragile peace between Native Nations, the British and the United States.
Land boundaries were set between the British and the U.S. at the Treaty of . . . — — Map (db m90303) HM
The Maumee River Valley nurtured a hunter-gatherer life and later farming communities for thousands of Native Americans. The valley also attracted the French, British and American settlers because of navigable waterways and the fur trade. . . . — — Map (db m90299) HM
This federal style house was built in 1827 by James A. Wolcott who migrated to Ohio in 1818 from Connecticut. Of distinguished parentage, Wolcott was a leading merchant, shipbuilder, judge and politician. Here he and his wife, Mary Wells, daughter . . . — — Map (db m27023) HM
