The Cincinnati–Pittsburgh stagecoach road served the area, and several settlers established water-powered industries in the gorge.

Water was no longer an economical source of power, and many mills were abandoned.

In 1896, John Bryan, a businessman, purchased 335 acres (136 ha) along the Clifton Gorge area and called the land "Riverside Farm".

This part of the Little Miami River was a vital, economical source of power for the early settlers in the 19th century.

In 1949, John Bryan State Park was transferred to the newly created Division of Parks and Recreation, part of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.