Roll The Windows Down And Take A Drive Down Johnny Appleseed Historic Byway Just South Of Greater Cleveland
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
The United States may not be a particularly old country in the grand scheme of things, but that hasn’t stopped it from amassing a great deal of folklore. From Paul Bunyan to Davy Crockett and Molly Pitcher, there’s no shortage of figures that have inspired the American imagination for generations. Of all the tall tales, few are quite as entrancing or as everlasting as that of Johnny Appleseed. Here in Northeast Ohio, his name pops up quite a bit (especially in association with autumn apple festivals), and there’s good reason for that. The legacy of Johnny Appleseed in Ohio is as abundant as the trees he once famously planted.
School children around the nation know of Johnny Appleseed. His life was spent planting apple trees, bringing sweetness to the still-wild American frontier.
As a mythological figure, Johnny Appleseed is remembered as a "stranger among strangers." Nomadic, quirky, and considered to be "crazy" by some, this mushpot-wearing traveler earned his place in American legend.
As a mythological figure, Johnny Appleseed is remembered as a "stranger among strangers." Nomadic, quirky, and considered to be "crazy" by some, this mushpot-wearing traveler earned his place in American legend.
John Chapman was born in Massachusetts in 1774, though his journey would take him west into the Great Lakes region. In Ohio, he planted various apple nurseries as an investment in his future. That's where the folklore about ol' Johnny Appleseed went wrong... he didn't randomly plant trees as he journeyed, but was very intentional in curating small nurseries.
One thing that folklore got right was Johnny Appleseed's legacy as a storyteller. He was a bit of a nomad, and he often told stories of his travels in exchange for a place to stay for the night. He loved animals and was vegetarian, and he wore eclectic clothing by choice.
One thing that folklore got right was Johnny Appleseed's legacy as a storyteller. He was a bit of a nomad, and he often told stories of his travels in exchange for a place to stay for the night. He loved animals and was vegetarian, and he wore eclectic clothing by choice.
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This 30+ mile scenic drive stretches from Loudonville, Ohio down into the Malabar Farm area. The journey from Cleveland into this rural slice of paradise is one I personally love, as the area is rich with natural splendor and rolling hills. I always try to make time to canoe along the Mohican River while I'm in the area, as it's truly the best way to take in the natural landscape.
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The Workman Cabin, 124 S Market St, Loudonville, OH 44842, USA
This lovely structure is The Workman Cabin, and it's one of the more eye-catching spots in Loudonville. The home was built circa 1840, and it offers visitors some perspective on what the landscape may have looked like when Johnny Appleseed was a local visitor. As John Chapman passed away March 18, 1845, one can envision this region of the U.S. as the untamed frontier, with mostly modest landmarks.
Perrysville's Pioneer Cemetery, 118 S Bridge St, Perrysville, OH 44864, USA
I love exploring old cemeteries, as they offer a glimpse into the past. Many headstones have symbols with a particular meaning, and it's fun to look for old willows, clasped hands, and more on historic headstones.
At this particular cemetery, early settlers of the area rest eternally. You can visitor individuals who actually knew Johnny Appleseed back in the day, including folklorist and author Rosella Rice. Her early descriptions of Johnny Appleseed have, arguably, helped elevate him to the folkloric status he holds today.
At this particular cemetery, early settlers of the area rest eternally. You can visitor individuals who actually knew Johnny Appleseed back in the day, including folklorist and author Rosella Rice. Her early descriptions of Johnny Appleseed have, arguably, helped elevate him to the folkloric status he holds today.
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As mentioned previously, Chapman didn't just plant apple trees as he moved from place to place. In fact, he was very intentional with where he planted them. Chapman purchased several plots of land across Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, where he planted his nurseries and often paid neighbors to look after them. When he died, he had an estate of 1,200 acres!
At this point, you may be thinking, Wow, this guy really liked apples. However, understanding the cultural demands of the time helps put this enjoyment into perspective... and brings it into question. In a time where opportunistic settlers were claiming valuable land, potable water wasn't always abundant. Hard apple cider, on the other hand, was safe, reliable, and a common drink of the era. If you think Johnny Appleseed's fruits were for eating, think again!
Interestingly, peeling back the veil of anachronism also reveals a fascinating fact on our modern view of apples. While apples from John Chapman's era were bitter and cider-friendly, many of the era's orchards were destroyed in Prohibition. Apple farmers had to shift their attention to sweet, snacking-friendly apples... and with a bit of marketing, the once cider-happy American public embraced this yummy snack.
Interestingly, peeling back the veil of anachronism also reveals a fascinating fact on our modern view of apples. While apples from John Chapman's era were bitter and cider-friendly, many of the era's orchards were destroyed in Prohibition. Apple farmers had to shift their attention to sweet, snacking-friendly apples... and with a bit of marketing, the once cider-happy American public embraced this yummy snack.
Malabar Farm Restaurant, 3645 Pleasant Valley Rd, Lucas, OH 44843, USA
Malabar Farm State Park is one of the many incredible views along this scenic route, and its restaurant is absolutely fantastic. Historic settings meet upscale and indulgent food, ranging from apps and salads to pastas, steak, and fish. There's even a kid's menu, so the whole family can eat here!
Oh, and save room for dessert. I recommend asking about their ever-rotating selection of cheesecake... you won't regret it!
Oh, and save room for dessert. I recommend asking about their ever-rotating selection of cheesecake... you won't regret it!
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Malabar Farm State Park, 4050 Bromfield Rd, Lucas, OH 44843, USA
This Richland County park is also a working farm, and it's super fun to visit. Meet farm animals, explore the legacy of one iconic Ohio writer, and even wade into a murder mystery. This place is fun for the whole family, though it honestly merits a whole day trip on its own. There's simply so much to do here!
Oh, and a word of caution: if you're allergic to hay or grass, bring allergy pills. Non-drowsy. Don't make the same mistake I did, or you'll sleep (read: wander confusedly while the rest of your group has fun) through the final portion of the journey.
Oh, and a word of caution: if you're allergic to hay or grass, bring allergy pills. Non-drowsy. Don't make the same mistake I did, or you'll sleep (read: wander confusedly while the rest of your group has fun) through the final portion of the journey.
You'll find a great deal of history along this corridor, from stunning architecture to covivial parks that were once private farmland. Removed from the hustle and bustle of the Cleveland area, life just moves at a slower pace here.
If you're a history buff, be sure to check out any historical markers you see along the way. There are a great deal of them along this route, and you'll love the knowledge they offer up.
If you're a history buff, be sure to check out any historical markers you see along the way. There are a great deal of them along this route, and you'll love the knowledge they offer up.
Charles Mill Lake Park, 1277A OH-430, Mansfield, OH 44903, USA
Check out the journey as laid out by the Ohio Department of Transportation to get ready for your adventure.
Though he’s been gone for nearly two centuries, the legacy of Johnny Appleseed in Ohio is rich. A trip along the Johnny Appleseed Historic Byway will take you to some of his most coveted local sites, and it pairs perfectly with the stunning views the landscape offers.
Want to learn about another legendary figure with local influence? Check out our article on Buffalo Bill to learn about his lawsuit in Cleveland.
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