Fort Laurens was built in 1778 under the orders of Lachlan McIntosh, an American commander sent to the Ohio territory to defeat the British-allied Wyandot people and attack the British in Detroit. With winter quickly approaching, McIntosh decided to delay attacks until spring. His men constructed Fort Laurens along what is now called the Tuscarawas River to wait out the harsh weather. The structure was completed in early December 1778 and was named after Henry Laurens, the president of the Continental Congress.

After soldiers were stranded in the fort during a harsh winter, they were forced to boil their moccasins for nourishment until aid arrived. Several soldiered were ambushed during an excursion outside of the fort to attempt to collect firewood and food. These soldiers were buried on the grounds and later interfered within the visitor's center after an archeological dig.