The area has played a key role in the history of northwest Ohio providing a travel route for numerous Indian tribes including the Iroquois, Miami, Lenape, Ottawa, Erie, Wyandot, and Shawnee.

He went on to lead what is known as Pontiac's Rebellion against the trade policies of the British rulers in the years following the French and Indian War.

He was a leader in the Northwest Indian War an effort by a united group of tribes to halt the westward expansion of American settlement.

[3] President George Washington dispatched General Anthony Wayne and his army to the Northwest Territory to put down the Indian uprising.

Seven preserved miles of the canal stretch between Independence Dam State Park and County Road 424.

At this time several civic organizations began a drive to set aside the land between the river and the canal as a state park.

[3] Stands of great sycamore, beech, maple and black locust trees line the river banks.

The river banks support a variety of woodland plant and animals including skunks, raccoons, fox squirrels, groundhogs, jewelweed, spring beauties, Louisiana waterthrush, and yellow-throated warblers.

The park features a four-lane boat ramp and hand-launches providing access to the Maumee River, which offers water skiing, paddling opportunities, and fishing for northern pike, crappie, walleye, smallmouth bass, and catfish.