The Piqua Historical Area State Memorial celebrates two thousand years of Ohio's
history, from its
habitation by prehistoric Indians, to its settlement by early American settlers, through the early years
of the canal era. It contains ancient Indian earthworks, a restored section of the Miami and Erie canal,
and the homestead of John Johnston--settler, farmer, and public official.
Johnston served as the United States Indian Agent for western Ohio from 1812 to 1829,
and is credited
with keeping the Indians neutral in the War of 1812. In his role as a state canal Commissioner, he was
instrumental in getting the Miami and Erie canal routed through Miami County.
The Piqua Historical Area State Memorial was established as Ohio's 47th state
historic site
in 1965. Following acquisition of the area, the two-story mixed Dutch Colonial/Georgian style
farmhouse where Johnston and his family lived from 1811 through 1842 was restored and furnished as it would have
appeared 1829, along with its unique two-story spring house and a cider house. 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. Costumed interpreters and craft demonstrators provide farm tours and display activities in the
summer kitchen and fruit kiln areas.
A mile-long section of the canal has been restored, on which Visitors can ride a replica of a 70-foot-long mixed
cargo canal boat of the 1840-1850 era used for freight and passenger transport. It is pulled by two resident
mules and piloted by costumed interpreters. Canal boat rides are 12:30, 2:30, and 4:00 p.m.
Adjacent to the boat landing is a modern museum, that houses the Ohio's Woodland Indians exhibit. It presents
an overview of Indian cultures of the Woodlands area (Ohio, Great Lakes, and the Northeast) beginning in the
1600s, a description of archaeological work on the site of Pickawillany village, and a discussion of both
historic and contemporary American Indian stereotypes. The experiences of the American Indians who have
resided in Ohio from about 1740 through the early 1800s and up to today are also interpreted. The museum
also includes an exhibit explaining the construction, operation, and eventual decline of the canal system in
Ohio.
The site is administered by the Ohio Historical Society.