<P> The Cincinnati - Pittsburgh stagecoach road served the area and several enterprising settlers began establishing water - powered industries in the gorge . The town of Clifton prospered from the textile mill, grist mills and sawmills located there . </P> <P> By the late 19th century, most of the industrial activity in the area ceased . Water was no longer an economical source of power and many mills were abandoned . However, one of the grist mills built in 1802 is still in operation . Located in the village of Clifton, the Clifton Mill is open to visitors . </P> <P> In 1896, John Bryan, an ambitious businessman, purchased 335 acres (136 ha) along the Clifton gorge area and called these acres "Riverside Farm ." This portion of the Little Miami River was a vital, economical source of power for the early settlers in the 19th century . In 1918, he bequeathed Riverside Farm to the state of Ohio, "...to be cultivated by the state as a forestry, botanic and wildlife reserve park and experiment station," which would bear his name . In May 1925, John Bryan's land became one of the state's first forest parks . In 1949, John Bryan State Park was transferred to the newly created ODNR Division of Parks and Recreation . John Bryan State Park and the adjoining Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve overlook the beautiful Little Miami River gorge that has been designated as a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior . </P>

Who is john bryan state park named after