OSBORN HONOR FARM

The 172 acres that is now Osborn MetroPark was once owned by Arah Osborn, a veteran of the War of 1812 who bought the land in 1836. Upon his death the property passed to his son, John and then to his grandson, Myron. Myron never married and when he died in 1932 he willed the land to the State of Ohio.

Although Myron hoped that the land would be designated as a park, the state used it as a minimum-security prison farm for 60 to 70 inmates. The men worked the land, grew a variety of vegetables and raised hogs.

The main prison was used for many years as the headquarters for Erie MetroParks offices. Now that it is gone, a local resident, Lisa Hayes,is trying to preserve it’s history and capture memories of a place with a deep-rooted history lost in time. 

If you or someone you know has memories of the prison farm, please click on the contact form button below and let us know. You may be able to help preserve the history and help shed light on what was once the Osborn State Prison Honor Farm. Contact Lisa Hayes at  osbornstatefarm@gmail.com for more information. Thank you. 

Learn more about the Osborn State Farm at the Huron Historical Society’s website by clicking HERE.