A Brief History

Historic Zoar Village The village of Zoar had its beginnings in the area of Württemberg, Germany. Under intense duress from government tyranny and excessive harassment and mistreatment from local officials over religious practices, a group of about 300 people known as Separatists, fled their country. They left by ship crossing the ocean in 93 days during stormy weather, arriving in America in August of 1817. Through friendly Philadelphia Quakers, arrangements were made to contract for a loan to purchase tracts of land in northeast Ohio along the Tuscarawas River. Their spiritual leader, Joseph Bimeler and a few of the more able bodied men and families, traveled overland by wagons to begin the establishment of their dreams - a town of their own where they could live in freedom and worship in peace. They named their new home Zoar, meaning "a little place of refuge". All was not going according to plans in the very early years of the town. The winters of 1818-19 were particularly harsh and bitter cold. Housing was minimal, food scarce and illness taking its toll. In desperation, the group met to discuss their options; quitting was not one of them. A decision was made to form a "community of goods" as a means to pool their resources both in money and abilities. Work was divided among the men and women to share responsibilities. A government was formed to place the business responsibilities in the hands of an agent general, a cashier and treasurer, a board of three trustees, and a standing committee of five members. Children were cared for in an early form of day care to free the women to work beside the men. By the 1850's, The Society of Separatists enjoyed the full benefits of their hard work with assets valued over $1 million. Their mortgage and debts were paid in full, businesses and industries were thriving and the group was totally self-sufficient. There was little need to deal with the outside world maintaining their own isolated Germanic world. The good life was destined not to last, however. The communal system and the only way of life that the older people knew was failing. The charismatic leader, Joseph Bimeler died in 1853 and no one was ever able to adequately take his place. Poor business decisions were made along with unwillingness to make the necessary changes in operations to keep up with the fast-paced and ever-changing world. The younger generation had become restless with many leaving the Society to seek their fortune. In 1898, town authorities disbanded the communal system, divided properties among the members and assets were sold in a public sale. Zoar then became just another small Ohio town. Zoar Today Zoar is an interesting blend of original structures, both privately owned homes including 1817 log cabins, and public buildings that have been restored to reflect the unique German heritage. Gift shops, bed and breakfast rooms (B & B's) and restaurants are also available. The Zoar United Church of Christ still holds church services in the original 1853 Meeting House. The Ohio Historical Society maintains several original town buildings offering tours and educational programs. The Zoar Community Association, a local historical group, maintains a small museum in the Town Hall displaying many artifacts once used by the Separatists, as well as information about the Ohio & Erie Canal which was an integral part of Zoar's history. Both the Ohio Historical Society and the Zoar Community Association offer special events, programs, rentals, tours, memberships and volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in more history about Zoar or other Ohio Historical sites, please visit these links: