Fort Amanda Memorial Park

I appreciate history and the fact that many are working to preserve our nation's cultural and historic resources. 

Over the years we have returned many times to stroll through Fort Amanda Memorial park. This park is well known in American Military Natural History and Indian History as it commemorates Western Ohio’s involvement in the War of 1812.

The original fort is no longer standing, but a granite monument built-in 1915 marks the site of the original fort. On the side of this monument is a plaque depicting the layout of the fort.

On this day, when we last visited, we were intent on a quiet midday stroll.

I have posted the Monument at the top of the page but typically you would not see it first - other than when passing by from the road. 

Upon exiting your vehicle, in the parking lot, you would want to take a paved walk and meander to your right. You will find graves along the path as this is a historic cemetery. 

If you look to the left beyond this fence you will see the Auglaize River.

After a short stroll, where we crunched through dozens of leaves, we came upon the wooden footbridge that spans the ravine. You must cross this footbridge to get to the Fort Amanda obelisk (monument) and the scenery along the footbridge is attractive, especially in the fall. 

I've often read poetry where spring air is described as intoxicating but I truly love the earthy scents of fall and this is a peaceful place to pause and contemplate the significance of this park.

Once you get to the top of the wooden steps you will resume walking a paved path that will leads past the historical marker to the Fort. Amanda Monument.

Fort Amanda was a major supply depot for the American army during the War of 1812. One of a series of forts extending north from Piqua to Fort Meigs (now known as Perrysburg). General William Henry Harrison ordered the building of the fort and it was originally constructed by Kentucky troops under the command of Lt. Col Robert Pogue in 1812. It is listed that Progue named the fort in honor of his daughter, Hannah Amanda. 

Fort Amanda State Memorial is located at 22800 St. Rt. 198 in Auglaize County, Logan Township, southwest of Lima, 1/4 mile south of Ft. Amanda Road.