WAPAKONETA — It began as a supply depot during the War of 1812, morphing into a point of entry for settlers traveling to the area along the Auglaize River, nestled along the river in what is now Logan Township. While Fort Amanda itself no longer stands, Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District, along with Ohio History Connection, is hopeful that recent renovations made to Fort Amanda Park help make that riverbank bustle with activity once again.
Thanks to $300,000 from the Ohio War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, the park district was able to reinforce the eroding riverbank along the park, shore up a path leading down from the park area to a monument honoring the history of the fort and secure the cemetery where some of the soldiers from the time of the fort are buried.
“The trail was slumping and one thing we were really concerned about was (the soldiers’ graves),” Ohio History Connection director of historic sites and facilities George Kane said during a site rededication ceremony Sunday. “It was an expensive fix, but we were glad to be able to do it.”
Along with reinforcing the shoreline and trail, as well as paving the entirety of the trail, new interpretive signs were also placed in the park outlining the history of the fort and its significance.
“It’s a testament to the richness of Ohio’s history,” according to Glenda Greenwold, board president for Ohio History Connection. “We really want to connect the past so we can experience it today, and we also want to learn from today so we can have a richer tomorrow. Anything we can do from the Ohio History Connection to bring those forces together will make us richer for it.”
With that work now complete, Kane is optimistic the connection with the history of Fort Amanda will remain strong for years to come.
“I’m hopeful that people will be able to enjoy this area with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” he said.
Located on state Route 198 just south of Fort Amanda Road, the park is open daylight hours throughout the year.
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