See Ohio’s Only Revolutionary War Fort in Bolivar

Fort Laurens was built in 1778 along the Tuscarawas River in the wilds of what was then the Ohio frontier. It was intended to be used as a staging area for attacks against the British during the American Revolution. Today, visitors can walk the grounds and check out a small on-site museum that shows what happened here during the fort’s brief  lifespan. 

Named after Henry Laurens, president of the Continental Congress, the fort served as a secure base for 150 American soldiers. In 1779, British troops and Native American forces attacked, leaving 15 soldiers dead. Later that year, George Washington ordered Fort Laurens to be abandoned. In total, 30 men lost their lives there. 

Inside the museum, visitors can learn more about the history of the fort and the soldiers who were stationed there through videos, artifacts and exhibits. Tracy Britton, site coordinator at Fort Laurens, says that while elements of the original fort are still underground, many artifacts have been excavated from the site.

“There are artifacts here that were actually found on the site and others that were donated as authentic period items,” Britton says. “We have an archaeologist on-site who is regularly doing work, and he offers public archaeology days where the public can come in and help with the digs.” 

Visitors can also walk the grounds and see a partial outline of where the fort once stood. The Tomb of the Unknown Patriot is located on-site and memorializes an unidentified soldier who was laid to rest at Fort Laurens. The museum also regularly hosts events, including ones scheduled in 2026 coinciding with the nation’s semiquincentennial. 

“We’re the only Revolutionary War fort in Ohio,” Britton says. “So just knowing that we have that connection to the American Revolution, that we were involved in the start of this country, I think people really enjoy that aspect of it.”

11067 Fort Laurens Rd., Bolivar 44612, 330/874-2059, fortlaurensmuseum.org

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