National Register Listing

Gnadenhutten Massacre Site

a.k.a. Gnadenhutten Massacre Site State Memorial

S of Gnadenhutten on county rte., Gnadenhutten, OH
Local significance of the site:
Military; Religion

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Ohio was the site of a major oil boom in the late 19th century, with oil wells producing millions of barrels of oil per year. The town of Lima, Ohio, became known as the "little giant of the oil industry" because of the large number of oil companies headquartered there.
Ohio random facts
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.