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In this Web Site, you will be introduced to the Amish culture, a rich Native American heritage, Ohio's first and longest running outdoor drama and scenes from turn of the century canal and railroading eras. Tuscarawas County has sports legends, access to outstanding lakes, a Revolutionary War outpost, a 19th century communal settlement and many one of a kind attractions.
Dramatist, teacher, humanist, Paul Green (1894-1981) was one of the South's most revered writers, and one of America's most distinguished. The first playwright from the South to gain national and international recognition, he was part of that remarkable generation of writers who first brought southern writing to the attention of the world.
First settled in 1772 by Moravian Missionary, David Zeisberger, Schoenbrunn (or "Beautiful Spring" in German) has become the window into our states past. Schoenbrunn Village grew to include over sixty dwellings and 300 Delaware Native Americans and Moravion missionaries. These residents drew up Ohio's first civil code and built its first Christian church and schoolhouse.
Today, the recreated village and museum share the same perspective of where Indian and European cultures meet in peace, but are influenced to flee by forces beyond their control around the world. In addition to cabins, school and church; visitors can explore God's Acre, the original Village cemetery; the museum and the theater. A gift shop, park and beautiful picnic area are also on site.
Gnadenhutten Historical Park & Museum
The Gnadenhutten Historical Park is home to the settlement and museum housing the artifacts and history of the first settlement in Ohio dating back to October 9, 1772.
Today, the museum and grounds are maintained and staffed by the Village of Gnadenhutten and volunteers. The museum and grounds are open to the public free of charge. Donations of time and resources are appreciated.
Ohio's only Revolutionary War fort, Fort Laurens was built in late November, 1778 on the west bank of the Tuscarawas River near what is now Bolivar, Ohio. It was a quadrangular-shaped fort approximately one acre in size. The Fort Laurens Museum, which houses many artifacts from the fort site, sits beside The Tomb of the Unknown Patriot of the American Revolution. Picnic areas are available and there is a trailhead for the Ohio & Erie Canalway.
The City of New Philadelphia has a history as rich and colorful as the valley that surrounds it. In 1804, John Knisely founded our town just west of the site of Schoenbrunn, a Moravian Indian missionary town. Taverns and merchants thrived, as the village was a focal point for travelers and settlers from the east. With
the construction of the Ohio-Erie Canal, New Philadelphia became a marketing center for agricultural products and the canal provided waterpower for mills.
The coming of railroads led to coal mining and, eventually, to steel and manufacturing. Today, New Philadelphia is the county seat of Tuscarawas County.