In 1896, John Bryan, an ambitious businessman, purchased 335 acres (136 ha) along the Clifton gorge area and called these acres "Riverside Farm. '' This portion of the Little Miami River was a vital, economical source of power for the early settlers in the 19th century. In 1918, he bequeathed Riverside Farm to the state of Ohio, "... to be cultivated by the state as a forestry, botanic and wildlife reserve park and experiment station, '' which would bear his name. In May 1925, John Bryan 's land became one of the state 's first forest parks. In 1949, John Bryan State Park was transferred to the newly created ODNR Division of Parks and Recreation. John Bryan State Park and the adjoining Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve overlook the beautiful Little Miami River gorge that has been designated as a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
who is john bryan state park named after
John Bryan, an ambitious businessman