The Ghosts of Zoar Ohio

The Village of Zoar in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, was settled by a group of German Separatists who came to America in 1817 seeking religous freedom. In 1819, they formed a communal society that became one of the most successful experiments in communal living in the United States.

In 1898 the Society of Separatists of Zoar disbanded and the assets were divided among the members. Today the Village of Zoar looks much the same as it did over one hundred fifty years ago. Many of the buildings built by the Separatists are stil standing, and the village retains the simplicity and charm of a bygone era. The Ohio Historical Society owns and operates ten of the buildings as museums.