Malvern Historical Society hosts local historian Doug Angeloni

Ohio's only Revolutionary War fort may be located in Tuscarawas County, but according to local historian and Malvern native Doug Angeloni, part of its story runs directly through Carroll County.

Angeloni shared that history June 4 during a presentation hosted by the Malvern Historical Society, highlighting Fort Laurens' significance as Ohio's only Continental Revolutionary War fort and battlefield as the nation prepares to commemorate America's 250th anniversary.

A retired teacher, historian and longtime volunteer with Fort Laurens, Angeloni told attendees the fort represents Ohio's closest direct connection to the American Revolution.

"This is Ohio's closest direct connection to the American Revolution," Angeloni said. "It was the only expedition in the state of Ohio actually sanctioned and financed by the Continental Congress."

The presentation, held at Good Shepherd Hall at St. Francis Xavier Church, drew more than 40 local history enthusiasts interested in learning more about the 1778-79 military campaign that led to the construction of Fort Laurens near present-day Bolivar.

Angeloni explained that while most Americans associate the Revolutionary War with battles in the eastern colonies, important events also unfolded in the Ohio Valley.

He noted that when the Revolutionary War began, both British and American representatives sought alliances with Native American nations in the Ohio Valley.

The expedition that created Fort Laurens was led by Gen. Lachlan McIntosh and was intended to establish a chain of forts stretching westward toward Detroit, then a key British stronghold supplying Native American allies who conducted raids against frontier settlements.

Angeloni noted that the expedition's connection to Carroll County is often overlooked. As troops followed the historic Great Trail through eastern Ohio, they spent two days at Camp No. 9, now the site of Malvern Community Park, before continuing west toward the future site of Fort Laurens. The stop places modern-day Carroll County directly along the route of Ohio's only Continental Revolutionary War expedition.

While early accounts place the force at around 1,200 to 1,300 soldiers, more than 1,500 people likely participated in the expedition when officers, packhorse drivers, civilians, women and other support personnel are included.

"It was a real diverse army," Angeloni said. "Men, women, Scotch-Irish, German speakers, African Americans. They also had herds of cattle, horses and those who tended to them."

Fort Laurens itself was occupied for less than a year, but Angeloni said the fort's brief existence included attacks, ambushes, starvation, a month-long siege and significant hardship for the soldiers stationed there.

One of the most dramatic moments came when desperately needed food supplies finally arrived after months of deprivation. According to Angeloni, soldiers celebrated by firing their weapons into the air, which startled the horses carrying the supplies and sent them running, spilling food and other provisions.

"It plays out like a Hollywood movie," Angeloni said.

The fort later became the site of Ohio's only Revolutionary War battlefield. Twenty-one individuals were killed by Native American forces during attacks associated with the fort, and archaeological excavations have uncovered portions of the fort's cemetery and battlefield remains.

Angeloni has participated in archaeological work at the site since the 1980s and has helped research and interpret its history for decades.

He also discussed plans connected to Ohio's America 250 celebration, including a June 27 re-dedication ceremony honoring the tomb of the unknown soldier at Fort Laurens, expanded museum exhibits and ongoing efforts to reconstruct portions of the fort on its original footprint.

"The plan was first of all to do a great dedication to the truly unknown soldier," Angeloni said of upcoming commemorative events.

Organizers are also pursuing partial reconstruction of the fort using archaeological evidence gathered during years of excavation.

Before concluding the evening, Malvern Historical Society President Tom Wagner recognized several volunteers, including Carol Brawley, Rhonda Chiurco and Susie Brothers, for their contributions to the organization's programs, publicity and exhibits.

Following the presentation, Angeloni reflected on what continues to draw him to local history after decades of research.

"I just always been interested in it. I call it a hobby. My wife calls it an obsession," he said with a laugh.

Angeloni said his interest began as a child watching westerns with his father and intensified after finding his first arrowhead in his grandfather's garden when he was about 10 years old.

"I got excited then," he said. "And that's just always stayed."

Today, he remains fascinated by both the artifacts and the stories they tell.

"You pick it up for the first time, the first person to hold that after several hundred years," Angeloni said. "It's an exciting feeling."

The Malvern Historical Society regularly hosts programs highlighting local and regional history. Wagner encouraged attendees to continue supporting efforts to preserve and share the area's historical heritage.