Bolivar in Tuscarawas County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Canal

Fort Laurens

Photographed by Craig Doda, April 26, 2020

1. Canal Marker

Inscription. After it was abandoned in 1779, Fort Laurens slowly decayed. When the Ohio & Erie Canal was constructed here in 1828, it destroyed the two eastern bastions of the fort that faced the river's edge. In 1850, when Charles Whittlesey drew this map, only a faint outline remained, causing him to misjudge where the fort actually stood.

The canal brought great prosperity to Ohio, but it ceased to be used for transportation after the devastating 1913 flood. During the last half of the 19th century, the site of Fort Laurens was farmed. It became a state memorial in 1917. Today the canal towpath is part of the Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Canalway, part of a walking trail from Cleveland to New Philadelphia.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Revolutionary • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Ohio and Erie Canal series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1779.

Location. 40° 38.317′ N, 81° 27.3′ W. Marker is in Bolivar, Ohio, in Tuscarawas County. It is on Fort Laurens Road Northwest (County Route

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102), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bolivar OH 44612, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Amish Country.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Interstate 77 (a few steps from this marker); Welcome to Ft. Laurens (within shouting distance of this marker); In Commemoration of Our Patriot Ancestors (within shouting distance of this marker); Introduction (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Unknown Soldier (about 400 feet away); Tomb (about 400 feet away); Fort Laurens (about 400 feet away); Hospital (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bolivar.

Photographed by Craig Doda, April 26, 2020

2. Canal Marker

On the other side of the road from the park.

Photographed by Craig Doda, April 26, 2020

3. Canal Marker

Photographed by Craig Doda, April 26, 2020

4. Canal Marker

Photographed by Craig Doda, April 26, 2020

5. Canal Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 6, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 426 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 6, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.