EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio – It was 250 years ago Saturday that what became known as “the shot heard ’round the world” rang out in Concord, Mass., leading to the American Revolution and, ultimately, to the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
History was also made Saturday when plans were unveiled to erect a monument honoring the 157 known patriots buried in Columbiana County who fought for and sacrificed for the nation’s independence, moving to the county afterward to reap the benefits of winning their freedom.
“They built homes, started farms, built mills, opened stores and other businesses,” said Steve Barlow, president of the Mahoning County Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. “And Columbiana County began to grow and prosper with more people settling here. It was a great time given to us by our brave and fearless patriots.”
Barlow spoke Saturday morning at the location chosen as the future site of The Sons of the American Revolutionary War Monument at the intersection of Sixth and Washington streets in the heart of the city’s downtown.
In discussing the monument, several locations were considered by Barlow, Mayor Bobby Smith, service-safety Director Bill Jones and architect Scott Shepherd, including Devon’s Diamond, but they settled on the proposed site. “I said this would be perfect on the corner of Washington Street. That’s a nice coincidence,” Barlow said.
The East Liverpool High School staff and students prepared the site, and local artist Craig Wetzel drew a rendition of the proposed monument, which will include a brick wall, American flags, the written history and brick ground pavers.
Barlow thanked all those involved in the project thus far, including Carly Brock of Richardson Monuments, Sons of the American Revolution and Daughters of the American Revolution chapters and donors, as well as the “enthusiastic support” of the city. Several city firefighters attended Saturday’s presentation in support of the project.
Barlow said the project was proposed because there are no such monuments to the county patriots.
“We mean no disrespect to any veterans of any wars; we are so grateful for the service of all veterans. But for me, these patriots were different inasmuch as they weren’t sure what was in store for them if they won, and the odds were against them,” Barlow said. “When the Revolutionary War started, we didn’t have the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution or any guarantee of what was to come.”
Barlow emphasized their faith.
“What they did have was faith – faith in God and faith that free men, once out from under the rule of a king, could manage their own lives, property and freedom of religion far better than living under the feudal system of Europe, a chance for all men to have a say in their government and live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.”
According to Barlow, the patriots’ faith was well-founded, because in the Land Ordinance of 1785, one section of each township was to be set aside for education and one for religious worship.
“This was huge. Never before had a government wanted to educate everyone and designate a place for worship,” Barlow said, adding that the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 included no slavery in any newly established state. It did include freedom of religion, the right to trial by jury and and the right for widows and children to inherit estates.
“These rules would change America and the world forever. These rules put into place by the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 went into effect before our Constitution was ratified and before the Bill of Rights,” Barlow said.
Smith pointed out that the formal survey of land known as the Northwest Territory began in East Liverpool in 1785, and the city is now considered the Point of Beginning. Smith encouraged everyone to watch the YouTube presentation by British author-journalist Simon Winchester for information on that aspect of the city’s history, which has resulted in East Liverpool being classified as a 250-Ohio Community as part of Ohio’s participation in the country’s 250th anniversary in July 2026.
Events are being planned in conjunction with that anniversary, with Saturday’s monument unveiling serving as the kickoff.
To bring the monument to fruition, an estimated $20,000 will be needed, and the project is about a quarter of the way there.
Fundraising efforts will include the sale of a frameable map designed and drawn by Wetzel showing important sites in the War of Independence. It will be available for $20. Engraved brick pavers for the monument base also will be available, ranging from $50 to $55, depending on the engraving, which can include a variety of clip art designs or names.
Monetary donations are also welcome, with checks made out to MVSAR and sent to Barlow at 335 Thompson Ave., East Liverpool, OH 43920.
For questions about purchasing the bricks or maps, contact Barlow at 330 386 4178 or barlow34@comcast.net.
Pictured at top: A group, including Mayor Bobby Smith, in back, and Steve Barlow, second from right, gathered Saturday for the unveiling of the site for the new American Revolutionary War monument.