Zoar, Ohio Historic Village
The Village of Zoar, Ohio, stands as a remarkable testament to a unique chapter in American history. Preserved with meticulous care, this early 19th-century communal village offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of a group of German Separatists who sought religious freedom and established a self-sufficient society in the heart of rural Ohio. Founded in 1817, Zoar, Ohio Historic Village is more than just a collection of old buildings; it’s a living museum that echoes with the stories of its founders, their struggles, and their triumphs.
The story of Zoar, Ohio Historic Village begins in Wurttemberg, Germany, where a group of individuals, known as Separatists, faced religious oppression from the dominant Lutheran church. These dissenters, led by the charismatic Joseph Bimeler (also spelled Bäumeler), a pipe maker and teacher, yearned for a place where they could practice their faith without persecution. Bimeler’s leadership proved vital as he guided the group through numerous trials and tribulations.
With limited resources, the Separatists embarked on a journey to America, seeking refuge in a land known for its religious tolerance. Arriving in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, they found assistance from the Quakers, a religious society known for their compassion and philanthropy. The Quakers provided crucial support, helping the German immigrants find employment and eventually loaning them money to purchase land in eastern Ohio.
Without having seen the land, the group acquired 5,500 acres situated along the Tuscarawas River. This vast expanse of land became their new home, a blank canvas upon which they would build their communal society. Inspired by the biblical town of Zoar, where Lot sought refuge after fleeing Sodom, they named their settlement Zoar, Ohio Historic Village, hoping to create their own sanctuary of peace and freedom.
The Zoarites held deeply rooted beliefs that shaped their way of life. As pacifists, they refused to participate in war, a principle that had contributed to their persecution in Europe. They also eschewed traditional religious sacraments such as baptism and marriage, opting instead to present themselves before witnesses without elaborate ceremonies. These beliefs underscored their commitment to a simple, unadorned faith, focused on community and mutual support.
Immediately upon arrival, the Separatists began constructing the community’s first buildings, laying the foundation for a self-sufficient village. In 1818, approximately 200 more Separatists from Germany joined them along the Tuscarawas River, bolstering their numbers and strengthening their resolve. The initial years were marked by hardship and uncertainty as they adapted to their new environment and worked to establish a sustainable way of life.
Initially, there were no plans to create a communal society. However, the particularly harsh winter of 1818-1819 forced them to rethink their approach. Facing the threat of starvation and potential demise, they recognized the need for collective action. On April 19, 1819, a pivotal meeting was held, and the "Society of Separatists of Zoar" was officially formed.
As members of the Society, each individual agreed to contribute their property and future earnings to a common fund. This radical step ensured that resources were shared equitably, and the community could provide for the needs of all its members. Both men and women held equal political rights within the society, and all adult members signed the original document. While women were not barred from holding office, they were never elected to these positions. This agreement solidified the communal nature of Zoar and laid the groundwork for its unique social structure.
In 1822, the community experimented with a period of celibacy, driven by concerns that the population might outpace Zoar’s economic resources. This practice was abandoned in 1830. However, children between the ages of three and fourteen lived in separate nurseries, allowing mothers to continue working in the community. From a young age, children attended school and contributed to the society’s labor force. This system, while unconventional, reflected the Zoarites’ commitment to both education and communal productivity.
Securing financial stability was a major challenge for the early Zoarites. They struggled to identify products and services that could generate enough income to repay their loan to the Quakers. An unexpected opportunity arose in 1825 when the state of Ohio needed a right-of-way to construct the Ohio and Erie Canal. The state offered the Society a contract to assist in digging the canals, providing a much-needed source of revenue.
The Zoarites embraced this opportunity, dedicating themselves to the arduous task of canal construction. For several years, they labored tirelessly, building seven miles of the Ohio and Erie Canal, including four locks, just southwest of the village. By 1828, their work was complete, and they had earned $21,000. This substantial sum allowed the Society to settle its land debt and have money left over, marking a turning point in their economic fortunes.
The completion of the Ohio and Erie Canal had a profound impact on Zoar, Ohio Historic Village. It provided a crucial transportation route, facilitating the export of goods produced by the Society. As the number of passengers and traders increased, the Zoarites constructed the Canal Tavern and hotel, catering to the needs of travelers. The Canal Tavern provided accommodations and food, while a blacksmith shop adjacent to the Tavern provided services for the mules and horses that pulled the canal boats.
To further capitalize on the increased traffic along the canal, the Society built the larger Zoar Hotel in 1833. With 40 sleeping rooms, the Zoar Hotel provided ample accommodation for travelers. The Zoarites operated the hotel for 65 years. The building still stands today and is available for tours on certain dates.
For a period, both the Canal Tavern and the Zoar Hotel operated concurrently. When a large flour mill was constructed over the canal in 1837, the Canal Tavern was converted into a home for the miller and his family. Remarkably, the Canal Tavern still stands, serving the community as a tangible link to Zoar’s canal era.
At its zenith, Zoar, Ohio Historic Village was a thriving and self-sufficient community. The village boasted a church, a communal bakery, a tin shop, a blacksmith shop, a furniture shop, weaving and sewing houses, a pottery, several mills, a brewery, a town hall, a general store, and both private and communal residences. Spacious barns and stables were located on the outskirts of town. The society also owned four canal boats, further facilitating their economic activities. By the mid-19th century, the community had accumulated more than $1 million in assets, a testament to their hard work and ingenuity.
The death of Joseph Bimeler on August 31, 1853, marked the beginning of a slow decline in the village’s cohesion. Over time, the original residents passed away, and the younger generation lacked the shared memories of persecution and the early struggles that had bound the community together. The growing influence of the outside world also contributed to the erosion of the Society’s original goals.
By 1898, the remaining residents voted to dissolve the communal society, dividing the property among themselves. This decision marked the end of an era, as the unique social and economic structure of Zoar came to an end.
Following the dissolution of the Society, Zoar, Ohio Historic Village continued to exist as a small community in rural eastern Ohio. While the communal way of life was gone, the village retained its distinctive character and historical significance.
In 1969, recognition of Zoar’s historical importance led to its listing on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2016, it was further designated a National Historic Landmark District, solidifying its place as a site of national significance.
Today, The Ohio Central Connection (formerly the Historical Society) and the Zoar Community Association manage the historic district, encompassing a four-block square area. This district includes several dozen historic buildings, both publicly and privately owned, dating back to 1817. Visitors can explore several of the public buildings through interpretive tours and demonstrations. Bed and breakfast inns offer accommodations, and seasonal festivals are held throughout the year, bringing the village to life with historical reenactments and cultural events.
The Zoar Historic District is roughly bounded by 5th, Foltz, and 1st Streets. Historic buildings are open for tours from April to October during the weekends, and from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the village is also open Wednesday-Friday. There is a fee for admission.
Located on the Ohio and Erie Scenic Byway and the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Zoar, Ohio Historic Village continues to thrive as a living community, home to approximately 169 full-time residents. The village offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the legacy of the German Separatists who sought religious freedom and created a remarkable communal society in the heart of Ohio.