From the Ohio River to Lake Erie, Ohio’s waterways have carried goods, people, and ideas for centuries—shaping communities and driving innovation. Now, Troy is being recognized as part of the Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail, the newest driving route from America 250-Ohio, the group leading the state’s preparations for the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The trail spans 150 sites statewide, including several along the Great Miami River. Visitors can plan trips by theme or region, choosing from seven categories. Troy appears in the Canal Museums, Locks, and Natural Areas category, thanks to the preserved footprint of Lock 12 on the former Miami & Erie Canal located near Treasure Island Park at 439 N. Elm Street.
Lock 12 opened in 1837 with General William Henry Harrison in attendance, one of 105 locks controlling water levels along the canal’s 274-mile route. The canal era brought prosperity to Troy, opening new markets and attracting new residents. Today, the footprint monument—built from some of Lock 12’s original stones—marks the spot where this vital link in Ohio's history once stood.
Melinda Huntley, executive director of the Ohio Travel Association, America 250-Ohio Commissioner, and co-project leader for the Trails & Tales program, said that Troy and the Miami & Erie Canal helped to shape Ohio as it exists today.
“Lake Erie, the Ohio River, and the canals were highways of hope,” said Huntley. “They built towns, attracted inventors, created jobs, and brought people together."
Visitors can find a map of all of the Trails & Tales stops at https://america250-ohio.org/le-or-map/.