National Register of Historic Places listings in Tuscarawas County, Ohio facts for kids
Did you know that Tuscarawas County, Ohio is home to many special places that are important to American history? These places are so important that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list kept by the United States government to help protect and celebrate buildings, sites, and objects that have played a big part in our country's past.
In Tuscarawas County, there are 24 different places on this list. Two of these are even more special because they are called National Historic Landmarks. This means they are considered to be among the most important historic places in the entire country! Let's explore some of these amazing sites and learn about their stories.
Exploring Tuscarawas County's Historic Treasures
Tuscarawas County has a rich history, from early settlements to important moments in American development. The places on the National Register of Historic Places help us remember and learn about these times.
Fort Laurens: Ohio's Revolutionary War Fort
Imagine a time when America was fighting for its freedom! During the American Revolutionary War, a place called Fort Laurens was built in 1778. It was the only American fort built in Ohio during that war. Soldiers lived there, trying to protect the frontier. It was a very tough place to be, with harsh winters and challenges. Today, you can visit the site near Bolivar and learn about the brave soldiers who served there. It's a reminder of the sacrifices made for our country's independence.
Gnadenhutten Massacre Site: A Place of Remembrance
The Gnadenhutten Massacre Site in Gnadenhutten is a very important historical location. It marks a sad event from 1782, during the Revolutionary War, where a group of peaceful Moravian Christian Native Americans were killed. Today, the site serves as a memorial, helping us remember this tragic event and learn about the complex history of early America and its impact on Native American communities. It teaches us about the importance of peace and understanding.
Dennison Railroad Depot: A Landmark of Travel
The Pennsylvania Railroad Depot and Baggage Room in Dennison is a truly special place, so important that it's a National Historic Landmark! This old train station was built in 1884 and was once a very busy spot. During World War II, it became famous as the "Dreamsville" station. Soldiers traveling across the country would stop here, and local volunteers would greet them with food, drinks, and kindness. It was a place of comfort and hope for many during a difficult time. Today, it's a museum where you can learn about railroad history and its role in American life.
Schoenbrunn Village: A Recreated Moravian Settlement
Near New Philadelphia, you can step back in time at the Schoenbrunn Village State Memorial. This is a recreated village that shows what life was like in Ohio's first Christian Indian settlement. In 1772, Moravian missionaries and Native Americans built this village. They lived together peacefully, farming and learning. The village has reconstructed log cabins, a church, and a school, giving visitors a glimpse into the daily lives of these early settlers. It's a great way to see how people lived hundreds of years ago.
Seven Ranges Terminus: Marking the Land
The Seven Ranges Terminus might sound a bit technical, but it's a really important spot in American history! Located west of Magnolia, this point marks where the very first public lands in the United States were surveyed and divided up. After the Revolutionary War, the government needed a way to organize and sell land in the new territories. This spot was the starting point for a system that helped shape how land was owned and settled across the country. It's a quiet place, but it represents a huge step in America's growth.
Zoar Historic District: A Unique Community's Legacy
The Zoar Historic District in Zoar is another National Historic Landmark District. This means an entire area, not just one building, is historically important. Zoar was founded in 1817 by a group of German religious separatists who wanted to live together in a community where everyone shared everything. They built a unique village with a beautiful garden, a church, and many homes and workshops. Today, you can walk through the village and see how they lived, learning about their beliefs and their way of life. It's a fascinating example of a communal society in American history.
Zoarville Bridge: A Rare Engineering Marvel
The Zoarville Bridge is special because it's the only known "Fink through truss" bridge still existing in the United States! This type of bridge was designed by Albert Fink in the 1800s. The bridge crosses the Conotton Creek near Zoarville and is a great example of old engineering. It shows how people used to build strong and clever structures to help them travel and connect communities.
Other Notable Historic Places
Tuscarawas County also has many other interesting buildings and sites on the National Register, each with its own story. These include historic homes, schools, and town halls that show how communities grew and changed over time.
- Frederick Bernhard House in Dover
- Katherine Cooper House in Dover
- John Deis House in Dover
- Dennison High School in Dennison
- E.D. Fisher House in Bolivar
- T. Lanning & Co. Department Store in Dennison
- John Lebol House, Smokehouse and Springhouse near Bolivar
- Christian Pershing Barn west of Dover
- Port Washington Town Hall in Port Washington
- Ragersville School in Ragersville
- The Railway Chapel in Dennison
- Jeremiah Reeves House and Carriage House in Dover
- Christian H. Rinderknecht House in Dover
- Dr. Joseph Slingluff House in Dover
- Tuscarawas County Courthouse in New Philadelphia
Each of these places helps us understand the past and appreciate the history of Tuscarawas County. Visiting them is like taking a journey through time!
Images for kids
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Frederick Bernhard House
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Katherine Cooper House
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John Deis House
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Dennison High School
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E.D. Fisher House
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Garver Brothers Store (destroyed by arson in 2010)
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T. Lanning & Co. Department Store
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John Lebol House, Smokehouse and Springhouse
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Christian Pershing Barn
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Port Washington Town Hall
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Ragersville School
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The Railway Chapel (formerly Presbyterian Church of Dennison)
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Jeremiah Reeves House and Carriage House
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Christian H. Rinderknecht House
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Dr. Joseph Slingluff House
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Tuscarawas County Courthouse
