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"Great Father, during the late war our brother Johnston's advice and council kept our young men your friends - the task was arduous and but few white brothern would have kept us together as he did."
--Wyandot Indians to President James Monroe, November, 1819, regarding John Johnston's actions during the War of 1812.
The Piqua Historical Area State Memorial celebrates two thousand years of Ohio's rich history from prehistoric Indians to Ohio's canal era. The focal point of the peaceful 200-acre park is John Johnston--farmer, public official, and United States Indian Agent for western Ohio from 1812 to 1829. Here Johnston's numerous contributions to the growth of early Ohio and settlement of frontier America are presented in a truly unique and beautiful setting.
Today, visitors enjoy the home and farm of this most extraordinary man much as it appeared in 1829. Preserved and furnished structures include Johnston's two-story mixed Dutch Colonial/Georgian style farmhouse, a unique two-story spring house, and a cider house. Costumed interpreters and craft demonstrators provide farm tours and display activities in the summer kitchen and fruit kiln areas. A mammoth double-penned log barn, constructed in 1808, is reputed to be the oldest and largest of its type in Ohio, and is still in use on the grounds. Nearby a ring-shaped mound earthwork discovered and preserved by Johnston was constructed by people of the Adena culture over 2,000 years ago.
Not far from Johnston's farm is a modern museum, which was constructed to resemble the blockhouse style of Fort Piqua, General Anthony Wayne's 18th century supply post. In 2001 the museum was renovated with updated exhibits that trace the story of the Eastern Woodland Indians of Ohio and the newly acquired Fort Pickawillany site. Artifacts from Ohio's canal era are also on exhibit. Restroom facilities, snacks, and a gift shop are located in the museum.
The patio portion of the museum building allows visitors the opportunity to view a restored mile-long section of the Miami and Erie Canal, which extended the length of Ohio from Toledo to Cincinnati. An array of outdoor interpretive panels explore Johnston's later role as a state canal commissioner and provide an introduction to how canals helped in the development and expansion of frontier Ohio. Afterwards, guests may enjoy a ride aboard the General Harrison of Piqua, a replica 70 foot-long mixed cargo canal boat often used for transportation of passengers and cargo in the 19th century. Costumed guides direct the mule-drawn boat to provide an authentic and memorable experience for all.
The Piqua Historical Area State Memorial was established as Ohio's 47th state historic site in 1965. The Johnston farm and Miami & Erie Canal areas were formally opened on 3 September 1972, with the dedication of the museum facility following on 20 May 1973. Today the site is administered through the Ohio Historical Society's Site Operations Department.
Hours: April – October
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Monday |
CLOSED |
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Tuesday |
CLOSED |
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Wednesday - Saturday |
9:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. |
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Sundays |
12:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. |
Open Holidays
(Memorial Day, Labor Day) |
12:00 - 5:00 p.m. |
Closed Holidays
(New Year's Day, July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Monday holidays unless specified) |
CLOSED |
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Canal Boat Rides |
12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. |
Hours: November – March Please note that Piqua Historical Area is closed during the winter months.
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November – March |
SITE CLOSED |
Groups by appointment
Admission
| OHS Members |
FREE |
| Adults |
$8.00 |
| Children 6 - 12 |
$4.00 |
| Children 5 & under |
FREE |
| School Groups |
$3.00 per student |
AAA and senior discounts given. Military discounts are available to all active military and their dependents.
Groups
Discounted tours for groups of of twenty or more available, with tiered discounts starting at 10% off the regular admission rates. Motorcoach groups receive complimentary admission for the bus driver and group's escort. Reservations are required to receive the discount rates. Your group will want to allow approximately 3 hours to fully enjoy the site's features. We will be glad to assist you with information regarding box lunches, nearby restaurants, hotel facilities, and local shopping opportunities. Further information on these topics, and on other area attractions, is also available from the Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau at 800/348-8993.
School Tours
Discounted tours for school groups are available on weekdays in April-May and September-October with at least two weeks notice. Complimentary admission for school bus drivers and teachers is offered. Tours typically begin at 10:00 AM in the farm area and conclude at the Museum by 1:00 PM. Most schools bring sack lunches to enjoy in our outdoor picnic area. The canal boat is typically not available for school tours.
Location
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The Piqua Historical Area is on North Hardin Road just off of State Route 66, 3 1/2 miles northwest of Piqua in Miami County.
Click on map image to view a larger map, which will load in a new browser window.
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General Information
Piqua Historical Area
9845 North Hardin Road
Piqua, OH 45356
Phone:
937-773-2522
1-800-752-2619 (toll free)
Site Manager:
A. Hite
Email:
ahite@ohiohistory.org
Handicapped Accessibility
Ohio Historical Society strives to meet ADA requirements. However, historic structures and outdoor areas provide challenges that make it difficult to provide complete access to all visitors. Please call the site with specific questions and concerns.
Site facilities currently do not meet ADA standards and are not handicapped accessible.
Still, much of the area is level or located on flat terrain. There are steps, hills, and gravel walkways in the historic farm section of the site. Access to the canal boat dock is down a short steep hill and the canal boat is not handicapped accessible. The museum, gift shop, restrooms, and patio are easily accessible for nearly all visitors via level paved walkways.
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