Author Description

The text and photos of this book present the story of Southwestern Ohio. Its central focus is Dayton and the watersheds of the Great Miami and Little Miami Rivers, with occasional forays to points along the Maumee River into Indiana. It is really two stories that interconnect. Part One tells the story principally of the rivers, lakes, wetlands and parks that dot the region so generously: five rivers, a popular MetroPark system named after them, and other natural gems such as Beaver Creek Wetlands. Part two narrates the struggles and achievements of the people who left their mark on Western Ohio: bold Native American leaders, courageous first settlers and imaginative inventors such as Charles Kettering and the Wright Brothers. Both stories impress on readers the rich legacy that has been given modern-day residents of the Miami Valley. The many color photos encourage readers to understand their heritage better and to celebrate by visiting these special places personally.