Rendering Unveiled for Fort Laurens Reconstruction
BOLIVAR (WJER) (Oct. 27, 2026) — A new phase of Ohio’s Revolutionary War history is coming into view at Fort Laurens, where the Ohio History Connection has released a detailed rendering of plans to partially reconstruct the state’s only Revolutionary War fort — including a section of its original stockade wall.
State Historic Preservation Officer Diana Welling says the design reflects two years of archaeological research, even as crews work around a challenge created decades ago.
“When the museum was built in the late ’60s, early ’70s, they put it right in the middle of the original footprint,” she said. “So we’re doing our best to make it as authentic as we can while preserving the museum, which is now considered historic.”
Project director Jonathan Brewster says researchers documented 310 post stains along the fort’s original wall, allowing them to determine timber sizes and placement. The reconstruction will use about 1,180 black locust timbers — chosen for their resistance to rot.
“We can actually build it out of the same size timbers the original was built out of,” Brewster said, “rather than something that looks like a bunch of telephone poles stuck together.”
The work is part of a nearly $6 million renovation that includes museum upgrades, new exhibits, improvements to the Tomb of the Unknown Patriot, and expanded archaeological research.
Former site director Tanner Immel says findings confirm the fort followed French and British military standards of the era, underscoring its role as a true frontier outpost.
“It wasn’t just thrown up,” Immel said. “The soldiers took their time, and the French designer really advised them.”
Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Dee Grossman expects the reconstruction to boost tourism and energize future historical programming.
“It brings it to life,” she said. “The full‑color rendering is spectacular.”
Museum renovation work begins in November. The full project is scheduled for completion in November 2028 — the 250th anniversary of Fort Laurens.