Fort Laurens was built by American Continental Army troops in November 1778 in order to chastise the Ohio Indians who were siding with the British. Originally this outpost was meant as a stepping stone on an attack on the British at Detroit, but this attack never materialized. Plagued by a shortage of supplies and the distance from the supply post at Ft. Pitt, the garrison suffered greatly during the winter of 1779. Twenty-one troops were killed during an ambush by British-led Indians during a March 1779 siege. The fort was abandoned in August 1779.

Today, the fort site has been excavated, and the artifacts displayed in a small museum at the site, which also contains an orientation video and information about the troops.

Museum is open Memorial Day - Labor Day. The park also contains a picnic area, which is also open in April, May, September and October.