New Richmond Waterfront

The riverfront park was once an active port in the 19th century for transporting agricultural products from the surrounding area. The village was an early center of abolitionist activity, hosting the first Anti-Slavery Society in Clermont County. James G. Birney published the Philanthropist Newspaper in the village in 1836. Many freedom seekers passed through New Richmond. In 1863, formerly enslaved Leroy Lee gained his freedom in New Richmond. Slave-hunters captured Lee in Cincinnati and were returning him to Kentucky through the village only to be confronted by a large crowd demanding his release. Outnumbered and outgunned, the slave-hunters were fortunate to escape themselves. Leroy Lee stayed in New Richmond and enlisted in the U.S. Army in the Civil War. Open to the public.