Ohio's Revolutionary War graves project gains momentum, improves app

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The search to identify the graves of every Revolutionary War veteran buried in Ohio has reached a major milestone.

In May, the Revolutionary War Veterans Graves Project was announced by America 250-Ohio. At that time, the call went out for volunteers to help contribute to a database and digital map of the freedom fighters' final resting places scattered across the state.

In a recent email to America 250-Ohio subscribers, organizers noted that just six weeks into the public effort, more than 1,000 graves have been added to the database. More history-loving Ohioans are being urged to participate by searching for and recording burial sites during their summer travels around the state.

Additionally, anyone interested can now see, in real time, how the endeavor is progressing. The Ohio History Connection, a partner in the project, has added a live results map to its website. This has the extra benefit of helping public researchers avoid duplicating efforts in their search for patriots.

With the interactive map, users can zoom in to reveal the names of veterans and cemeteries where they are located. A search bar is also available to quickly navigate to a cemetery, city, or other known location. Veterans can be searched by their last name to see if their grave marker has been collected. Verification of all the data will occur after the close of the Grave Marker & Cemetery Collection Portal at the end of 2025.

Organizers are also making it easier to use the digital portal, called Survey123, after some users have reported issues after downloading the app. Common problems include not finding survey forms or being prompted to log in. To address this, the Field Collection Instructions have been updated, and it is noted that users should pay close attention to Page 2. The Ohio History Connection provides detailed directions on its website under an FAQ heading for public researchers.

“After installing the Survey123 app, you must access the Grave Marker Survey Form and the Cemetery Survey Form using the specific links (or QR codes) provided in the guide,” the group advises. “This step is essential to load the forms into your app. You do not need to create an account or pay for Survey123. If you're being asked to log in or subscribe, please revisit the instructions to ensure you’re following the correct access steps.”

See the revised instructions below.

America 250-Ohio is the Buckeye State commission formed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Other partners in this mission beyond the Ohio History Connection include the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office, Terracon Consultants, Inc., and local chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Sons of the American Revolution. 

There are an estimated 7,000 Revolutionary War military personnel buried in Ohio. The final survey results will be published by July 4, 2026, but the database will continue to be updated and maintained by Ohio’s State Historic Preservation Office and the Ohio History Connection.