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OFFICE OF GOVERNOR BOB TAFT THE STATE OF OHIO OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 8, 2000
TOLEDO -- Governor Bob Taft presented a $2,500,000 mock check to trustees of the Toledo Area Metroparks District today, representing the state's contribution toward preservation of the Fallen Timbers Battlefield. "By fulfilling our commitment to assist with acquisition of this site, we are helping to preserve one of our state's -- and our nation's -- most significant historic places," Taft said. He praised Metroparks officials, other Toledo-area leaders and historic preservation advocates for their efforts to acquire and protect the site.
"With interpretive facilities in place in time for Ohio's Bicentennial in 2003, Fallen Timbers will join Fort Meigs, Fort Defiance, the Perry Monument and the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center as a magnet for historical study and increased tourism in northwest Ohio . This will be a place where Americans for generations will come to learn -- and to teach their children -- about this region's rich history," he said.
The Battle of Fallen Timbers, fought in August 1794 on the banks of the Maumee River southwest of present-day Toledo, pitted General "Mad" Anthony Wayne and forces of the young United States against an alliance of Native American tribes. Wayne's victory led to the Treaty of Fort Greenville, which opened Ohio and other northwest territories to American settlement. Historians have long considered the battle to be a pivotal event in the history of North America. Congress last year designated the land as a national historic site.
The Toledo Area Metroparks District recently negotiated an agreement to purchase the 187-acre battlefield site from the City of Toledo in two phases. The state's initial payment of nearly $2,000,000 toward the first purchase was recently transmitted to the park district. Another $500,000 in state funds will assist with the second acquisition next year. United States Senator Mike DeWine and U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-Toledo) are working to secure federal funds in support of the purchase. Additional funding commitments have been made by the City of Maumee and the Lucas County commissioners.
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For more information, contact Eileen Corson, deputy press secretary, at (614) 644-0957 or Dave Pagnard, ODNR Media Relations, at (614) 265-6787.
Press release issued at the check presentation by the Office of Governor Bob Taft.
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