Ohio & Erie Canalway
Fort Laurens Memorial, OH

Fort Laurens is the only American fort built in Ohio during the Revolutionary War meant to foster an attack against Detroit. The fort was built in 1778 but deserted in 1779. Supplying this wilderness outpost was the fort's downfall. Soldiers survived here on boiled mocassins and withstood a month-long attack by British-led Indians.

Today the eighty-acre site is home to a Revolutionary War museum containing period artifacts and the tomb of an unknown patriot who died in defense of Fort Laurens. Periodic re-enactments of encampments and weapons demonstrations take place here, as well.