Originally from northeast Ohio, I moved to Steubenville three years ago and have been struck with how deep the historical threads of this area go --- not just into regional history, but into the beginnings of American history as well. My name is Kirstie Perkins and this summer I have the privilege to intern with the Brooke County Public Libraries and Visitors Center in West Virginia. In spring of 2025, I will be graduating from Kent State University in Ohio with the goal of helping nonprofit organizations with communication and outreach. Thank you for joining me on this adventure into history. Our first stop will be my new hometown...
“George Washington Slept Here”
---almost.
Historical Sites & Green Spaces in Steubenville, Ohio
Historic Fort Steuben Visitor Center
In October of 1770, George Washington accompanied a party that stopped two miles south of present-day Steubenville on a precursor of the survey of the Northwest Territory. Fort Steuben, named after George Washington’s trusted drillmaster in the Revolutionary War, Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, was completed in 1787 as a defense for the surveyors. In 1803, the Lewis and Clark expedition, which included Patrick Glass, who later settled in Wellsburg, WV, passed through on their way westward, as well. Quite the “Who’s Who” of camping guests on this bend of the Ohio River!
The Fort Steuben Visitor Center offers a museum and reconstructed replica of the original fort to tour. The visitor center, which has no cost for admission, has exhibits about the Lewis and Clark Expedition and Native American heritage. The fort is a self-guided tour, for an additional admission donation. Picnic area is adjacent to the museum. The complex has accessible parking, restrooms, and exhibits.
Historic Fort Steuben
120 South Third Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
740-283-1787
Upcoming Events:
Ohio Valley Frontier Days June 1 – 2, 2024
Hours
Historic Fort Steuben (reconstructed fort)
Open from May through October:
MON - FRI 10AM-4PM
SAT 10AM-4PM
SUN 11AM-4PM
Fort Steuben Visitor Center and Museum Shop is open all year
MON - FRI 10AM-4PM (except Christmas - New Year's and other holidays)
Admission Donations to Fort:
Adults - $12
Seniors (60+) - $10
Youth 6-12 - $7
Under 6 - Free
Family (2 adults, 4 children) - $40 ($5/each additional person)
City of Murals City of History
When you are at the Historic Fort Steuben Visitor Center remember to pick up a Murals Route Map. Steubenville is home to murals that portray Dean Martin, Steel Mill Memories, and Jerome and John “Ellis” Edwards who were Tuskegee Airmen, along with many more.
Union Cemetery - Beatty Park
Union Cemetery was incorporated in 1854. Beatty Park was created from land that could not be used for burial purposes and additional land that was donated or purchased. Both Union Cemetery and Beatty Park are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Union Cemetery
Union Cemetery is unique because it was built in the style of cemeteries that were meant to be used as parks for the living as well as places of internment for the deceased. Moses Fleetwood Walker, the first African American major league baseball player and the Fighting McCooks, of Civil War fame are just some of the notable people buried in Union Cemetery.
Union Cemetery
1720 Sunset Boulevard, Steubenville, OH, 43952
Office Hours
MON – FRI 8AM-4PMClosed 12PM-1PM for lunch
Closed SAT - SUN
Cemetery Hours
Gates close at Dusk
*No dogs, bicycles, rollerblades, etc. permitted in the cemetery.
A visit to Union Cemetery is full of history and beauty. The tranquil park setting is home to mature trees, historic tombstones and mausoleums, and even some wildlife. Bring your walking shoes and enjoy the rolling hills and views. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can plan a hike through the cemetery to the connecting Beatty Park.
Beatty Park
Beatty Park has had an amazing turnaround of fortune through the perseverance of dedicated volunteers led by Flora VerStraten-Merrin. Along with being an example of past history, this is an example of history in the making. Beatty Park has hiking trails, children’s play areas, picnic areas, historic markers, a StoryWalk™, and disc golf. You can happily lose yourself at Beatty Park all day.
Beatty Park
855 Lincoln Avenue
Steubenville, OH 43952
Park closes at Dusk
On-site restrooms
*Rules are posted inside park
*Note: Cemetery and park have separate entrances. You can NOT drive through the cemetery to the park. Also, Beatty Park has a trail head on Lawson Avenue, but that trail head does NOT have a parking lot.
Friends of Beatty Park thank volunteers at Park and Rec board meeting | News, Sports, Jobs - The Herald Star (heraldstaronline.com)
All efforts were made in good faith for accuracy of content of this blog post. However, fees charged, and hours of operation, may be subject to change without notice. Information was retrieved 05/30/24.
Next week we’ll explore some of the heritage of glass and ceramics in the region…
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