Historical Highlight: Discover the Rich History of Point State Park

Written by Allison Frazer

Pittsburgh’s three rivers, the Allegheny to the North, the Monogahela to the South, and the Ohio to the West, have shaped the city’s history since before the United States of America was a nation. Visitors can stand at the confluence of these three great rivers in Point State Park. 

George Washington, on a trip to negotiate with the French in 1753, wrote in his journal, “I spent some time in viewing the Rivers, and the Land in the Fork; which I think extremely well situated for a Fort, as it has the absolute Command of both Rivers.” This simple journal entry predicted the Point’s future as a location of command during war.

In 1754, construction began on Fort Duquesne. It was built by the French to maintain tactical advantage at the heart of the Ohio River Valley during the Seven Years’ War against the British. In 1758, General John Forbes led an expedition to capture the fort, and upon their success they constructed Fort Pitt. 

The oldest building in Pittsburgh can be found at Point State Park. The Fort Pitt Block House is over 250 years old, and was constructed by British forces in 1764. This small house has square holes cut into the brick on the first and second levels to aid in their defense against enemies during the mid-18th century. It was abandoned by the British in 1772 and was later used as housing, effectively preserving it from being demolished. Visitors can tour the Fort Pitt Block House and get a glimpse of history.

Point State Park’s strategic location was appreciated by Meriwether Lewis of the famed expeditioners Lewis & Clark. Lewis used Point State Park as a shipping off point to travel down the Ohio River, then up a portion of the Mississippi River to meet William Clark around St. Louis, Missouri.

Point State Park’s rich history can be explored and appreciated seven days a week.