By 1812Blockhouse
Mansfield’s unique and strong connection with pioneer nurseryman Johnny Appleseed is an important element of local history.
While Johnny moved away in later life, and is buried in Fort Wayne, Indiana, his connections to this area remained strong. His name has appeared on a local shopping center; on an Boy Scout Council; and on a historic marker in Mansfield’s Central Park and monument in South Park near the Blockhouse.
Richland County is also a key part of the Johnny Appleseed Historic Byway.
1812Blockhouse has followed stories related to Johnny’s fame as well as artifacts related to his life and legend. That has included the fate of the former Johnny Appleseed Education Center and Museum on the campus of Urbana University in Urbana. More…
Featured, Johnny Appleseed, Mansfield History, Richland County History
By 1812Blockhouse
This year we have been continuing our weekly look at unique events and attractions that are within an easy driving distance of Richland County. We call these “Summer Road Trips.” Of course, we regularly feature the many extraordinary places to visit right here in Richland County and encourage our readers to get out and experience what is on offer in our own backyard.
Well, summer is technically over, but there are still fun festivals and events taking place within an easy drive of Richland County during these early days of fall. With a title like “Johnny Appleseed Days,” and given Johnny’s Richland County connections, we couldn’t resist sharing information about this weekend event in nearby Findlay. More…
By 1812Blockhouse
Why not take some time during the remaining weeks of good weather, pack up the car and the kids, and take off for a driving tour of sites related to one of Richland County’s most famous former residents?
A historic byway has an accompanying map to guide travelers a route in Ashland and Richland Counties to do just that. The Johnny Appleseed Historic Byway is a 30 mile route along State Routes 39 and 603 which celebrates the life of John Chapman, the nineteenth century local man who planted apple trees and became an American cultural and historical icon. More…
By: 1812Blockhouse Staff
Richland County and John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, were well acquainted back in the day.
He lived here, owned land here, and planted apple trees and orchards here through much of his adult life. Mansfield has long claimed Johnny as one of its own. And, of course, the Johnny Appleseed Historic Byway runs through the area.
On several occasions, we have shared stories focusing on some aspect of his connection to the area, as well as posts talking about those who promote his legacy today. More…
UPDATE – It turns out that there will be more than one opportunity in the coming days to interface with one of Richland County’s most iconic historic characters; information follows below.
As interesting as legend paints the life of John Chapman, known by local pioneer settlers as Johnny Appleseed, his actual life was by many measures even more unique. He is soon to make a return appearance. More…
An announced move 80 miles to the southwest of Richland County is tied to the county by a common history.
One of the key locations that was home to pioneer nurseryman John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, was Mansfield and north central Ohio. He lived here, owned land here, and planted apple trees and orchards here through much of his adult life. Mansfield has long claimed Johnny as one of its own. More…
All About Richland, History & Tourism
Today, we are re-posting a popular post from last September for those who may not have seen it.
We live in Johnny Appleseed country. The relationship between the pioneer American nurseryman and the Mansfield area is well documented and commemorated today in many ways – from shopping centers to scenic byways.
Johnny Appleseed’s legacy lives on in other parts of Ohio and the country. Some months ago, we shared a story about one person’s efforts to identify the actual resting place for John Chapman, his legal name. That post can be accessed here. More…
On Monday, the Ohio Department of Transportation announced creation of the new Johnny Appleseed Historic Byway. The route connects historic, cultural, and scenic attractions in Richland and Ashland Counties.
In a press release, ODOT shared, “The Johnny Appleseed Historic Byway’s routes are State Route 39 from Loudonville, northwest through Perrysville and Lucas, and ending in Mansfield; and State Route 603 from Mifflin to Malabar Farm where it ends at State Route 95. More…
