Discover the history of Pittsburgh’s oldest structures and the park that preserves it.
In the heart of Pittsburgh lies Point State Park. Beyond its reputation as a beloved park and festival venue, offering panoramic vistas of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers merging, what often escapes the notice of many visitors as they meander through its winding pathways is the fact that it houses the city’s oldest remaining structures.
In Pittsburgh, where relatively old buildings and structures are common, The Point stands out for its deep historical roots that extend back farther than the rest. Once the site of strategic military forts — Fort Pitt and Fort Duquesne — from the colonial era onward, this iconic little “point” in the city is credited for hugely shaping the destiny of the region.
The oldest structure, Fort Duquesne, initially established by the French in 1754, played a crucial role in the French and Indian War. Strategically positioned at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, it served as a key outpost in the Ohio Valley region. The fort was named in honor of Ange Duquesne de Menneville, Marquis de Duquesne, the governor-general of New France from 1752 until 1755.
The fort’s location was chosen due to its significance in controlling access to the region’s waterways and trade routes, particularly during the fur trade era. Its presence posed a threat to British colonial expansion efforts, leading to tensions between the French and British forces.
However, in 1758, during the height of the French and Indian War, British and colonial troops launched a successful campaign to capture Fort Duquesne. This victory was significant as it marked the end of French control over the Ohio Valley and paved the way for British dominance in the region.
Following the capture and destruction of Fort Duquesne, the British constructed Fort Pitt in its place in 1758. Named in honor of British Prime Minister William Pitt the Elder, it served as a stronghold during the French and Indian War and later played a crucial role in the American Revolution.
After the American Revolution, Fort Pitt gradually lost its military significance as the need for a stronghold in the region waned. Despite this, efforts to preserve its historical importance persisted.
In 1894, the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) received a generous gift: the Fort Pitt Block House. This sparked a meticulous restoration process, ensuring its legacy would be appreciated for years to come. Despite facing potential removal during 20th-century urban development, the fort stood firm, eventually becoming a focal point of Point State Park.
Today, visitors can still find remnants of Fort Pitt at The Point and the Fort Pitt Block House, the sole survivor of the original fort. This historic site preserves Pittsburgh’s earliest history and holds the distinction of being a National Historic Landmark.
Exploring the park today, visitors can discover granite traceries marking the locations of Fort Duquesne and Fort Pitt. They can also visit the Fort Pitt Museum, situated on the original fort’s footprint. Meanwhile, a visit to the Block House offers a step back in time, allowing visitors to admire the oldest authenticated structure in Western Pennsylvania.
The park is open daily from sunrise until 11 p.m., and admission is free. However, it is important to note that parking is limited to the local streets, and it is strictly a day-use park, with no overnight camping permitted. Point State Park Hours & Info