Located in what is today’s Tuscarawas County, Fort Laurens was the only American Continental fort built within the moder day state of Ohio and is our states closest direct link to the American Revolution. Although short lived, you will hear about its history and stories that could play out like a Hollywood movie with the exception that the events that took place and people were real. You will gain an understanding about its complete history which will give you a deeper appreciation for those men, and women, who suffered and fought deep in Ohio’s wilderness to help create a new Nation.

A historian and amateur archaeologist, Douglas earned his education degree in History and Comprehensive Social Studies from West Liberty University and Special Education/Learning Disabilities degree from the University of Akron. Now retired, he taught middle and high school American History/Social Studies for thirty-five years at Brown Local Schools, in Malvern, Ohio.  He is a member and volunteer with the “Ohio History Connection,” and member of the “Malvern Historical Society,” the “Ohio Archaeological Society” (O.A.S.), the “Sugar Creek Chapter” of the O.A.S. , and the “Ohio Valley Military Society.” Douglas is an active member of “The Brigade of the American Revolution” (since 1984), a non-profit, educational, living history organization dedicated to creating the life and times of the common soldier of the American Revolution, and serves on the board of trustees (and was a founding member) of the “Friends of Fort Laurens Foundation” since its creation in 1994.