Canal

Historical marker location:
Bolivar, Ohio
( Marker is on Fort Laurens Road Northwest (County Route 102), on the right when traveling north.)

Fort Laurens

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The Kent State shootings, in which National Guardsmen shot and killed four students during a protest against the Vietnam War at Kent State University in 1970, took place in Ohio. The incident sparked widespread protests and led to the closure of hundreds of universities and colleges across the United States.
Tuscarawas County, Ohio has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Delaware and Shawnee, before European settlers arrived in the late 18th century. In the early 1800s, the county was officially established, taking its name from the Tuscarawas River, which flows through the region.

During the early years of settlement, the county became an important transportation hub, thanks to its location along major travel routes, including the Ohio and Erie Canal and the Pittsburgh-to-Wheeling Turnpike. This brought new settlers, businesses, and industries to the area, including agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, which helped stimulate economic growth.

In the mid-19th century, Tuscarawas County played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses that helped enslaved African Americans escape to freedom. Many local residents, both black and white, risked their lives to aid and protect fugitive slaves passing through the region. This legacy of abolitionism and humanitarianism is still celebrated today.

In the 20th century, Tuscarawas County experienced periods of growth and change, adapting to the challenges and opportunities of modern times. The county's natural beauty, including the nearby Appalachian Mountains, attracted tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, while the growth of the automobile industry and other manufacturing sectors brought job opportunities. The county continues to evolve, preserving its historical heritage while embracing progress and development.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Tuscarawas County, Ohio.

  • 1800 - Tuscarawas County is founded and organized.
  • 1808 - The village of New Philadelphia becomes the county seat.
  • 1833 - Ohio and Erie Canal is completed in Tuscarawas County.
  • 1861-1865 - Tuscarawas County residents participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1884 - Dennison is established as a major railroad town.
  • 1930s - Tuscarawas County is heavily affected by the Great Depression.
  • 1940s-1950s - Tuscarawas County experiences growth and industrial development.
  • 1960s-1970s - The construction of Interstate 77 and other highways improves transportation in the county.
  • 2005 - The Ohio and Erie Canalway National Heritage Area is designated, highlighting the county's historical significance.
  • Present - Tuscarawas County continues to thrive with a diverse economy and rich cultural heritage.