Old Fort Steuben Project Reconstruction
Historic Fort Steuben: A Non-Profit, Tax-Exempt, Citizen-Initiated, Locally Supported Project
“Keeping History Alive!”
In November 1985, Prof. Jack Boyde of the Franciscan University of Steubenville spoke at a meeting of the American Association of University Women about the historical significance of the archaeological work that was going on at the site of the original Fort Steuben. Inspired by his enthusiasm, several members of the group decided to work to reconstruct the 18th century fort and formed the Old Fort Steuben Project, a private, non-profit, educational and cultural organization. Since then, the Old Fort Steuben Project has completed construction of the Fort, the Fort Steuben Park and Visitor Center, the Veterans Memorial Fountain, and the Berkman Amphitheater through the support and assistance of various individuals, civic and local organizations and the hard work of many volunteers in Steubenville and Jefferson County. In 2012, the organization also took on the responsibilities of the City of Murals and the Steubenville Visitor Center, funded by proceeds from the City Lodging Tax which works to promote travel and tourism to the area. The Project is a testimony to the initiative, creativity, and loyalty of the citizens in the area.
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Historic Fort Steuben has become a significant member of the community and an outstanding educational and historical attraction in downtown Steubenville.
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The Fort provides free exhibits throughout the year in the Visitor Center, tours and educational programs in the Fort, free concerts in the Park, and an ongoing archaeological dig sponsored by the Franciscan University of Steubenville. The annual festival is a popular celebration of the cultural heritage of the area. The Park also hosts the seasonal Christmas at the Fort and Holiday Market.
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The original fort was constructed and used by the 1st American Regiment in 1786-87 as a base of operations as they protected the surveyors of the first Seven Ranges of the Northwest Territory – land acquired after the Revolutionary War and that would become Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin. A visit to Fort Steuben today presents the difficulties of life on the early American frontier and the history of the beginning of the westward movement in our country. With our gifted Interpreters as guides, visitors can tour the Officers’ Quarters, Enlisted Men’s Quarters, the Commissary’s Store, the Quartermaster’s Store, the Blacksmith Shop, the Hospital, and the Guardhouse. A Surveyors' Museum will soon be added to the site.
Adjacent to the Fort is the original First Federal Land Office west of the Alleghenies (1801) which presents an experience of early 19th century life.
For more information:
Historic Fort Steuben
120 S. Third Street
Steubenville, Ohio 43952
740-283-1787