The Old Portage Path, Bronze Statue

Nestled in the heart of Akron, Ohio, "The Old Portage Path, Bronze Statue" serves as a poignant tribute to the region's rich Indigenous history. This local landmark commemorates the ancient travel route that was once a vital passageway for various Tribal Nations. The Portage Path, a land route connecting the Cuyahoga and Tuscarawas rivers, has been immortalized through bronze sculptures installed in October 2001.

For millennia, this path was a lifeline for Indigenous peoples, who used it to portage between waterways. Wildlife may have initially created portions of the trail, which were then enhanced by Indigenous communities as early as 8,000 years ago. Although no permanent villages were established along the Portage Path, it was frequently used by the Shawnee, Lenni Lenape (Delaware), Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), Wyandot, Huron, Ottawa, and Miami groups.

In 1797, surveyor Moses Warren documented the trail, which had been designated as the western boundary of the Western Reserve. His journey revealed a Lenni Lenape village called Old Cuyahoga Town near the Cuyahoga terminus. The 1785 Treaty of Fort McIntosh further solidified the Portage Path's significance, marking it as the boundary line between land open to European settlement and Indigenous territories.

The realization of this historical marker was driven by the passion of former Akron resident William Yeck. In 1990, he proposed a collaboration between Summit Metro Parks, the Summit County Historical Society, and the City of Akron to mark the trail. Though Yeck did not live to see its completion, his family foundation contributed over $500,000 to the project.

Two large sculptures, created by Seneca-Onondaga artist Peter Jones, were dedicated in 2001 at the Cuyahoga River's big bend area. Additionally, 50 bronze arrowhead statues mark the route surveyed by Moses Warren. Jones' sculptures, portraying woodland Indigenous peoples, are a testament to their light travel and traditional attire, featuring a breechcloth and headpiece.

Summit Metro Parks, which manages 15,000 acres, 16 parks, three nature centers, and over 150 miles of trails, oversees the maintenance of this historical site. For more information, visit [Summit Metro Parks](http://www.summitmetroparks.org).

Editor's Note: In our commitment to fostering respect and inclusivity, we have thoughtfully revised the language used to refer to Indigenous peoples. We acknowledge that terminology can be complex and evolving, and we strive to provide accurate and respectful information, recognizing that preferences may vary among Indigenous communities and individuals.