Village of Zoar

Zoar, Ohio

Building History

Zoar Village was founded in 1817 by a group of about 200 German Separatists seeking escape form religious persecution in their homeland.  By building a “community of goods,” these Separatists thrived as a unique Society for over 80 years.  Today, Zoar is a community of approximately 75 families living in homes built from 1817 to the present.  Many of the original homes have been preserved or restored, as have the many buildings and museums maintained by the Ohio Historical Society.

Community Plan

The Zoar Community Association, the mayor of Zoar, and local citizens of Zoar have all been active participants in the Section 106 process through town meetings and other public forums established by the Army Corps of Engineers.  Outside of the town of Zoar, other state-wide and national parties, have also assisted in helping to protect the Village of Zoar.  Since 1936, Zoar has been protected by levees surrounding the town as part of the Muskingum watershed conservancy district.  In 2005 and 2008, the Muskigum River at Zoar experienced a record high water event which showed significant levee failure.  After the storm in 2008, the Zoar levee and diversion dam was classified as Class I: Urgent and compelling.  Of all Muskingum Basin Projects, Zoar is the only one classified as Class I.  Since this classification, the Army Corps of Engineers have begun a Section 106 review into the project consulting with interested parties to mitigate the effects of the levees on the village of Zoar.

Property Details

Date of Construction: 1817
For Sale: No
National Register Historic District: Yes