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Collaboration with Tecumsh Land Trust, and ODNR Keeps the story of Tecumseh alive.
Ohio’s newest State Park, Great Council, opened in June, as a culmination of partnerships in land management, education, and creating great Ohio State Parks for the public enjoyment. The Great Council State Park celebrates the history of the Shawnee nation and their great warrior chief, Tecumseh. In addition to a reimagined Shawnee Long House and museum, the project includes access to the Tecumseh Preserve, in collaboration with the Little Miami Conservancy, the Tecumseh Land Trust and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, These partnerships benefit all, restoring and preserving the riparian corridor and wetlands along the Little Miami State and National scenic River while celebrating the Shawnee people.
The new state park is situated on the Little Miami State and National Scenic River at Oldtown in SW Ohio. The location is known as the Shawnee village of Old Chillicothe and is the site of the birth and childhood of Tecumseh, a Shawnee Chief and warrior who promoted resistance from the United States of America in their land expansion for native lands. The Shawnee tribe was known for farming, hunting and fishing along the Little Miami which was critical for transportation needs.
Well before Tecumseh’s time, this area was home to the ancient people of Hopewell and Adena cultures who have left a vast treasure trove of artifacts, as well as a celebration of the burial mounds at Fort Ancient and other areas in Southern Ohio, most recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Great Council State Park celebrates both the Shawnee history and culture and sets a level of land preservation for all to enjoy. The project was ambitious in both timeline and scope, born out of a land collaboration with the Tecumseh Land Trust.
Interpretive Center – Shawnee Long House
The dramatic 12,000 square foot modern interpretation of a Shawnee Long House was completed in Spring of 2024 and houses museum quality exhibits, showcasing the Shawnee people’s story, both past and present including the resettlement of the Shawnee to Oklahoma as well as their present life there.
Prairie and Wetlands
The Blackfish Trail and Tecumseh Preserve Trail is one half mile, ending at the Little Miami State and National Scenic River. The land is part of the collaboration with the Tecumseh Land Trust and Little Miami Conservancy. The Little Miami State and National Scenic River was the main route for transportation, allowing the people to prosper by farming, hunting and fishing. amid an abundant ecosystem. The preservation of these lands supports the natural restoration of wetlands and prairies by control of invasive plants, while providing support for indigenous plants to return the land back to a more original state, ensuring continued conservation for this key piece of Ohio’s historic past.
Importance of Preservation for Generations to Come
By protecting forests, rivers, wildlife habitats, and other natural areas, we can ensure that future generations will have access to clean air, water, and a healthy environment. It is a responsibility that we all share to protect and conserve our heritage, culture, and environment for the benefit of those who will come after us.
For more information visit Great Council State Park
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