Akron Reopened Historic John Brown Monument

A new trail provides public access to the historic memorial located on the grounds of the Akron Zoo.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in National Parks

Screen-print poster illustration of a weathered stone monument pedestal in a clearing, evoking heritage-focused public access in a natural setting. — The City of Akron has opened a new trail providing independent public access to the historic John Brown Monument, which was previously restricted by its location on Akron Zoo property. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The John Brown Monument in the Sherbondy Hill neighborhood has officially reopened for public access. Summit Metro Parks established a new path to the site, which was previously restricted and required assistance from zoo staff.

Why it matters

The monument had long suffered from neglect and vandalism due to its isolated location on the zoo property. Providing an independent trail aims to preserve this historic landmark while making it easier for the public to visit.

The newly completed trail spans 0.1 miles through local woods to connect visitors to the memorial. The sandstone pillar itself dates back to the first Summit County courthouse, while the site was incorporated into the Akron Zoo property in 2000.

The players

Summit Metro Parks

This organization manages parklands and trails throughout Summit County, Ohio.

Akron Zoo

This facility operates as a non-profit zoo and currently owns the land where the monument is located.

Negro 25 Year Club

This organization historicaly contributed to the site by installing a fountain and seating in 1938.

Summit County Historical Society

This entity focuses on preserving the history of Summit County and plans for future site accessibility.

The details

The City of Akron owns the monument, which was originally erected in 1910 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Brown's death. In addition to the new trail, the Akron Zoo repurposed an old bus stop to display informational signage regarding the history of the site.

1910: The monument was originally erected.
1938: The Negro 25 Year Club installed bench seating, a fountain, and a marker.
2000: The Akron Zoo acquired the land containing the monument.
September 22, 2026: The John Brown Monument Trailhead was formally dedicated.

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Travel Outlook

The restoration of this memorial reflects a broader movement to revitalize local historical landmarks that have fallen into disrepair. By integrating these sites into regional trail networks, cities are increasingly attempting to move historic assets from secluded, at-risk locations into public view.

Visitors can now access the monument via the new trail through the woods without needing to coordinate with zoo staff. Travelers should note that while the current path is open, future construction of a fully accessible path remains planned as additional funding becomes available.

The takeaway

This project highlights how simple infrastructure changes can significantly improve the public reach and security of overlooked historic sites. Residents and visitors are encouraged to utilize the new trail to engage with the history of the monument.