Cooper Park and Natalie Clifford Barney Historical Marker, Dayton
Cooper Park, the oldest public park in Dayton, Ohio, holds a significant place in the city鈥檚 history, thanks to the generous donation by Daniel Cooper. This park played a central role in the early days of the city, serving as a bustling neighborhood hub. Daniel C. Cooper, often regarded as the founder of Dayton, was instrumental in the city's early development.
A surveyor who settled in Dayton in 1796, Cooper became the de facto owner of the town when the original proprietors defaulted. He meticulously planned the city with broad streets and constructed most of the initial mills. Cooper's contributions extended beyond infrastructure; he served as Dayton鈥檚 first justice of the peace, a state legislature member, and donated land for various public uses, including this park, churches, schools, and public buildings. His legacy is commemorated by a historical marker on St. Clair Street, erected in 1974 by the Montgomery County Historical Society.
In addition to Cooper鈥檚 historical significance, Cooper Park also honors another notable Dayton native, Natalie Clifford Barney, with a historical marker. Born on October 31, 1876, Barney came from a distinguished and affluent family with a rich legacy in Dayton鈥檚 educational and industrial sectors. Despite the conservative norms of her time, Barney was openly lesbian from a young age, publishing a book of love poems to women in 1900. Her partner, American painter Romaine Brooks, was her companion for fifty years.
In 1909, Barney moved to Paris, where she became a prominent literary figure, hosting a famous salon that attracted the era鈥檚 leading writers and artists. She championed women's rights and significantly contributed to French feminist literature. Barney was also the inspiration for characters in at least twelve books, including Valerie Seymour in "The Well of Loneliness."
Barney's impact extended beyond her literary contributions. In 1927, she established a group to honor female writers, countering the male-only French Academy. Throughout her life, Barney relentlessly advocated for women鈥檚 rights, and her influence as a feminist writer is well-recognized in the 20th century. Although she died in 1972 and was buried in Paris, her parents' final resting place is in Dayton's Woodland Cemetery. A historical marker in Cooper Park, located on the north side of the new library, celebrates her remarkable life and legacy.
A surveyor who settled in Dayton in 1796, Cooper became the de facto owner of the town when the original proprietors defaulted. He meticulously planned the city with broad streets and constructed most of the initial mills. Cooper's contributions extended beyond infrastructure; he served as Dayton鈥檚 first justice of the peace, a state legislature member, and donated land for various public uses, including this park, churches, schools, and public buildings. His legacy is commemorated by a historical marker on St. Clair Street, erected in 1974 by the Montgomery County Historical Society.
In addition to Cooper鈥檚 historical significance, Cooper Park also honors another notable Dayton native, Natalie Clifford Barney, with a historical marker. Born on October 31, 1876, Barney came from a distinguished and affluent family with a rich legacy in Dayton鈥檚 educational and industrial sectors. Despite the conservative norms of her time, Barney was openly lesbian from a young age, publishing a book of love poems to women in 1900. Her partner, American painter Romaine Brooks, was her companion for fifty years.
In 1909, Barney moved to Paris, where she became a prominent literary figure, hosting a famous salon that attracted the era鈥檚 leading writers and artists. She championed women's rights and significantly contributed to French feminist literature. Barney was also the inspiration for characters in at least twelve books, including Valerie Seymour in "The Well of Loneliness."
Barney's impact extended beyond her literary contributions. In 1927, she established a group to honor female writers, countering the male-only French Academy. Throughout her life, Barney relentlessly advocated for women鈥檚 rights, and her influence as a feminist writer is well-recognized in the 20th century. Although she died in 1972 and was buried in Paris, her parents' final resting place is in Dayton's Woodland Cemetery. A historical marker in Cooper Park, located on the north side of the new library, celebrates her remarkable life and legacy.
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Cooper Park and Natalie Clifford Barney Historical Marker on Map
Sight Name: Cooper Park and Natalie Clifford Barney Historical Marker
Sight Location: Dayton, USA (See walking tours in Dayton)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Dayton, USA (See walking tours in Dayton)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Dayton, Ohio
Create Your Own Walk in Dayton
Creating your own self-guided walk in Dayton is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Dayton Introduction Walking Tour
Dayton, Ohio, often called the "Gem City" (for no apparent reason), is also known as the "Birthplace of Aviation" for being the hometown of the Wright brothers, inventors and builders of the first practical airplane. Additionally, Dayton is colloquially referred to as "Little Detroit" for its significant role as a Midwestern manufacturing center.
The original... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
The original... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Dayton Historical Buildings Tour
Dayton, Ohio, is home to a number of impressive historical buildings designed in a variety of styles, many of which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
One such is the Montgomery County Courthouse. Constructed in 1847, it exemplifies the Greek Revival style with its imposing columns and classical facades. Nearby, the Conover Building, dating back to 1900, showcases Eclectic... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
One such is the Montgomery County Courthouse. Constructed in 1847, it exemplifies the Greek Revival style with its imposing columns and classical facades. Nearby, the Conover Building, dating back to 1900, showcases Eclectic... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Wright Brothers Walking Tour
Renowned as the cradle of innovation for the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, Dayton, Ohio is rich with aviation history. The pioneers of powered flight transformed Dayton into a hub of technological advancement and ingenuity. Today, visitors to the city can explore several sites that commemorate their groundbreaking achievements.
The Aviation Trail Visitor Center and Museum is a perfect... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.8 Km or 4.8 Miles
The Aviation Trail Visitor Center and Museum is a perfect... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.8 Km or 4.8 Miles