Uncover The Stories: Johnston Farm & Indian Agency

Step back in time and uncover the stories that shaped Ohio right where history happened! Along the banks of the Miami and Erie Canal in Piqua, the Johnston Farm & Indian Agency invites you to explore 2,000 years of rich and layered history. With 250 acres to roam, you’ll walk through the footsteps of Native American communities, early frontier settlers, and the heyday of Ohio’s canal era. It’s not just a visit; it’s a journey through the people, places, and power that built this region from the ground up, which is part of Ohio’s rich canal history.

Canal Boat Ride in Ohio

Did you know you can take a mule-drawn canal boat journey along a beautifully restored section of the Miami & Erie Canal at the Johnston Farm? As you glide gently through the water, you’ll be accompanied by costumed interpreters who bring the past to life with their captivating stories and lively narratives. Their enthusiastic exhortations of “Gee!” and “Haw!” command the mules, adding an authentic touch to this immersive experience. This journey transports you to an era when canals were vital lifelines for commerce and travel, making them essential to the community’s growth and vitality. 

Prepare for an exciting hands-on adventure! Our family enjoyed a boat ride, and the kids even had the opportunity to steer the canal boat. Throughout the trip, they eagerly asked a variety of questions, and the interpreters were quick to provide cheerful explanations about everything. This experience will surely be one of the highlights of your visit!

Pro tip: Grab some mosquito spray for the out-and-back trip; those pesky bugs try to be friendly!

Explore the Johnston Farm & Indian Agency

The 1815 Federal-Style Farmhouse

Step into the meticulously restored three-story brick home of John Johnston, reflecting the architectural elegance of the early 19th century. Guided and self-guided tours provide a window into frontier life, showcasing period furnishings and the Johnston family’s daily routines. 

Historic Outbuildings

• 1808 Double Pen Barn: Among Ohio’s oldest log barns, this structure highlights early agricultural practices and the storage of trade goods during Johnston’s tenure as an Indian Agent.
• 1815 Springhouse: This two-story building served both as a cooling space for perishables and a workspace for textile production and soap making.
• 1828 recreated Cider House: A testament to the farm’s self-sufficiency, where the Johnston family produced both hard and soft cider from their orchards.

Johnston Farm Museum

Designed to resemble Fort Piqua’s blockhouse, the museum delves into the narratives of the Eastern Woodland Indians and the Pickawillany village. Exhibits also chronicle the construction and impact of Ohio’s canal systems, focusing on Johnston’s contributions. 

Adena Mound and Earthworks

Discover remnants of the Adena culture, dating back over 3,000 years. John Johnston’s respect for these ancient sites ensured their preservation, allowing visitors to connect with Ohio’s prehistoric past.

 A Glimpse into the Past of the Legacy of John Johnston

John Johnston, born in 1775 in County Fermanagh, Ireland, immigrated to America at 11. By 1804, he had acquired land in Upper Piqua, Ohio, where he established a farm that would become central to both his family life and his role as a Federal Indian Agent. Appointed in 1812, Johnston served as the U.S. Indian Agent for western Ohio until 1829, fostering relationships with the Shawnee, Wyandot, Seneca, Delaware, and Lenape tribes. His efforts were instrumental in maintaining peace during the turbulent years of the War of 1812. Beyond his diplomatic endeavors, Johnston contributed significantly to Ohio’s infrastructure as a member of the Ohio Canal Commission, overseeing the development of the Miami & Erie Canal. A proponent of education and community development, he helped found Kenyon College and was involved with West Point. Johnston’s multifaceted legacy is preserved at the farm, offering insight into his pivotal role in Ohio’s early history.

Events at Johnston Farm

On Memorial Day weekend, visitors can experience the Celtic Heritage Festival, where the grounds will be transformed into a little bit of Ireland. Enjoy arts and crafts with food vendors set up around the farm. A frontier encampment will be set up with enactors and highland games! Celtic music and dance will be filling the landscape with happy sounds of the high and lowlands.

Plan Your Visit

Location: 9845 N. Hardin Rd., Piqua, OH 45356

Operating Hours:

• June – August:
  • Thursday & Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM
  • Saturday & Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM

History comes alive at the Johnston Farm & Indian Agency, making it a history-filled stop for curious minds of all ages. From hands-on learning to peaceful walks through time, this remarkable site offers a wealth of knowledge for educators, families, and lifelong learners. Step into the stories that shaped Ohio and leave with a deeper appreciation for the people and events that helped define its past.

 

Brandy Gleason is the CEO of Gleason Media, LLC. , chief writer at Gleason Family Adventure, and creator of the Ohio Road Trips Facebook group. She has written three books, 100 Things to Do in Ohio’s Amish Country Before You Die, and co-wrote the Ohio section of Midwest Road Trip Adventures and Midwest State Parks, and 100 Things to Do in Ohio Before You Die will be released in 2024. She has spoken at National Conventions on education and conferences on travel, was a brand ambassador for THOR industries in 2021, and is currently a Heartland RVs brand ambassador.

Brandy loves to travel and explore and has a passion for the environment, sustainability, and the outdoors. She buckles up for a road trip any time she can, and her driving force behind her writing and social media is to encourage others to find their own adventures. One of her favorite quotes is “In order to write about life first you must live it.” by Ernest Hemingway, and she fully embraces each day.

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(Some Photos Courtesy of Mike Ullery, Photographer)