We may be buried under snow right now, but just a week and a half ago, I went with two friends to explore the newly marked Johnny Appleseed Historic Byway in the southern part of Ohio. The weather was sunny, inviting and warm. Little did we know it might have been the last warm and sunny day for months!
I receive several history newsletters via email and one of them is from the Ohio History Connection, formerly known as the Ohio Historical Society. I learned of the new byway announced by the Ohio Department of Transportation which covers 30 miles on State Route 39 and Route 603 in Ashland and Richland Counties.
It sounded like a great adventure and topic for readers to enjoy in this column. What I discovered could take weeks, but I will condense the adventures and knowledge to two columns.
There are several connections to Ashtabula County and Ashland and Richland counties. We are known for our apple orchards, vineyards and covered bridges. The two counties we visited are known for the lands that Johnny Appleseed planted and their covered bridges.
Not only did I want to drive the 30 miles of the newly marked byway because of the new red apple signs as of May of 2024, but also because it is the 250th birthday of Johnny Appleseed. The trip had all the markings of a great learning experience as well as a scenic, historic tour of a beautiful countryside.
I usually reserve an Airbnb because I have had great success with them and this time our place in the rolling hills with its babbling brooks far exceeded our expectations! It did not take much to convince two friends to be my photographer, navigator, driver and history consultant, especially when they saw where we were staying.
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