HISTORY, SHE WROTE
Rosalie Yoakam
The Bullskin Trace was a significant road in the Northwest Territory, and most of it is still in use today.
The trail was first created by migrating buffalo and other animals on their way to the salt licks in Kentucky. The Trace then became an American Indian trail and then a pioneer route, an Underground Railroad conduit, and finally a part of modern highway systems. The path provided access from the Ohio River north to Detroit.
As an American Indian trail, the Bullskin Trace was used by such famous people as Daniel Boone, Simon Kenton and Tecumseh. From a British Fort in Detroit, the British and American Indians followed it south to attack the Kentucky settlements.
Later, it became a pioneer route. Rivers in the area were difficult to maneuver with anything larger than a canoe. Going upstream against the current was almost impossible for flatboats.
However, flatboats coming down the Ohio River could pull off at a wide valley where Bullskin Creek emptied into the Ohio River. There, pioneers would unload in a protected, easily accessible area and continue traveling overland on the Bullskin Trace.
On Feb. 4, 1807, part of the Trace became one of the first Ohio public highways. It was then named Xenia State Road. It was widened to 20 feet and had a right-of-way of about 60 feet. Marshy spots were covered with halved logs laid side-by-side. The state paid $700 for these improvements.
During the War of 1812, the road was used to get supplies and troops from the Ohio River to the Great Lakes. On one occasion, a group of 15 supply wagons bumped along its rough surface.
The trail was used by runaway slaves on the Underground Railroad. Some Xenia and other Greene County residents ran stations on this route.
Looking at a modern-day road atlas, one can see the route the Bullskin Trace followed. It began in Clermont County at the Ohio River and headed north, following what is now Ohio 133.
It passed through Warren County, where, near Clarksville, it jogged on to old Ohio 380 and followed it into Xenia. The Bullskin Trace continued through Old Chillicothe, a former Shawnee village, which is now called Oldtown. From Xenia to Detroit, it followed the path of U.S. 68, then Ohio 25, and finally U.S. 24.
Contact this columnist at rdyoakam58@yahoo.com.
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