While Hiking on the Buckeye Trail...



New Historical Marker, Ritter Park, Napoleon

Civil War Camp Latty
was all around Me! 

On Saturday, October 8, 2011, while hiking along the Buckeye Trail / North Country Trail through Henry County Ohio, I came upon the leg of trail that goes through the city of Napoleon along the Maumee River. Here along the River, the trail goes through Ritter Park and the boat docks area. As I hiked through there on that crystal clear autumn afternoon, the sun was bright, the sky was blue without a cloud in it, and the temperature was unseasonable but pleasantly warm- near 80 degrees!

As I hiked west past the boat docks, I continued into Ritter Park, where an amazing event was taking place. Just being unveiled and dedicated, was a brand new Historical Marker which now and hereafter will note the location and significance of "Camp Latty". This camp was a famous Civil War camp which was used to muster the 68th Ohio Volunteer Infantry during this tragic war. The new marker tells the amazing story, which plants a curiosity in viewers to want to learn more of this famous place. This marker and great event was sponsored by the Henry County Historical Society.

Civil War Era Encampment

As I continued my hike, I came upon a number of historical reenactors, who were dressed in civil war era clothing. There were men who dressed in soldiers' attire, and women and children who tended to the homes while the soldiers were away at war. They occupied various tent structures which were authentic replications of those actually used. In addition, there were various demonstrations and exhibits of various aspects of what life was like during the civil war era. Complete with many accoutraments of the time, the exhibit was facinating, informative, and entertaining.

Civil War Medical Equipment Display

It seemed as though I was a time traveler and had hiked backwards in time to a life very different that what I am used to now. I decided to end my hike for the day here in Ritter Park. As I spent some time here with the re-enactors, I enjoyed the experience and wondered about what it was like at Camp Latty. 2011 marks the first year for the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. There are many events happening around Ohio for the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. I will visit the Ohio Civil War 150 web-site to discover more Civil War events around Ohio. Until Then... see you on the trail!  Also to learn more about other Ohio Civil War Events for the sesquicentennial, Click Here! ....Photos supplied by Bob Morrison and Bill Morey.

August on the Auglaize River

Carving the glass...

The Auglaize River in Defiance and Paulding Counties is "as smooth as glass" for skiing enthusiasts.

Last Days of Summer

Boating activity on the Auglaize River, Paulding County.

The Sandbar

Weekend Boaters gather each week on the Auglaize River in Paulding County, just across the Defiance County line. Put your boat in the water at Five Mile boat launch and head south on the river. Can't miss it!

Buckeye Trail Work Party Builds More Trail

North Country Trail

Work Continues

From June 18 through June 22, 2011, volunteers from The Buckeye Trail Association, and local volunteers held a "Work Party" on the Trail. The objective was to clear the last segment of Trail in the Eastern side of Henry County. And after all the dust had settled, the last mile of the trail in Henry County was finally cleared ! Thanks to the 10 Buckeye Trail Volunteers, and the 12 local volunteers who worked their magic on the trail and cut through all the dense underbrush to finally complete the final section of trail to open in Henry County. As a result of this effort, the Buckeye Trail, and The North Country Trail is now cleared all through  Henry County from West To East! The Trail now Connects Independence Dam in the West to Providence Dam in the East! Approximately 20 plus miles of trail now open! The Work Party went well, and according to Joe Krueger, Henry County Park District Commissioner, several ladies from St Patrick's Catholic Church in Providence cooked breakfast for them each morning except Sunday.  Breakfast was so good, they stayed Tuesday night to have breakfast before leaving Wednesday morning. Kind thanks to all the Trail Volunteers, and also the ladies from St. Patrick's! Click on the photos to the right to view slide show. Photos supplied by Bob Morrison. Thanks again to all!

National Trails Day Event

Local groups hosted
National Trails Day
Trail Awareness Event

The Henry County Park District, The Buckeye Trail Association, and The Maumee Valley Heritage Corridor hosted an American Hiking Society's National Trails Day - Trail Awareness Event. The event was held on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at the Wayne Park Shelter House in Napoleon, Ohio. Volunteers from all the groups were on hand to answer questions, provide information, and to act as trail guides to the hikers who attended the event. Special Thanks to The Henry County Transportation Network, who shuttled small groups of hikers out to the trail so they could hike back to the shelter house. Some took a brief 1 mile hike, while others took a longer 5 mile hike. Also a special thanks to the Local Boy Scouts who were on hand preparing and selling lunch treats to all ! Thanks to all who supported National Trails Day in Henry County, Ohio! (Photos Provided by Jim Rebar- Thanks, Jim!)