Johnston Farm & Indian Agency

Accredited 2010 by the American Association of Musuems, Washington D.C.

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"The first time I saw the spot upon which I now live, the determination was formed if ever the land could be purchased, I would at any price, commensurate with my means become the owner of a tract of about 250 acres of elevated, rich dry prairie, covered with grass, etc., skirted with the most beautiful woods, an unusually large and never failing spring of the coldest and purest water springing out of the second bank of the Miami river, immediately in the rear of which a delightful building spot, 40 feet above the first bottom on the west side of the river, half a mile below the mouth of the Loramie Creek.  On the ground stood one of General Wayne's Forts...." 

 John Johnston, Oct. 10, 1838 

The Johnston Farm & Indian Agency

(formerly known as the Piqua Historical Area)

celebrates 2,000 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 U.S. 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 Federal 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. Exhibits trace the story of the Eastern Woodland Indians of Ohio and the Pickawillany village site. Restroom facilities 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. Inside, 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. Guests may enjoy a ride aboard the General Harrison of Piqua, a replica 70-foot-long 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.

Description courtesy of the Ohio Historical Society.  Please visit us there at www.ohiohistory.org/places/piqua