Fort Laurens

Fort Laurens, the first and only fort of the Revolutionary War established within the limits of what is now Ohio, was built here in December 1778 by General Lachlan McIntosh as a defense against the British and Indians, and it was held until early in August 1779, when it was relieved and abandoned. It was named in honor of Henry Laurens, President of the Continental Congress. The small garrison, commanded successively by Colonel John Gibson, Major Frederick Ward Vernon, and Lieutenant Colonel Richard Campbell, suffered much from hunger and attacks by the Indian allies of Great Britain. A number of American soldiers were killed here and buried near the fort.

Ohio · United States