The next stop on my road trip was the Fort Pitt Park and Museum. It is located in the downtown area of the city, at the confluence of the three rivers. The park area is of reasonable size, but is more of a nice green spot for locals to enjoy. It includes a fountain marking the area.
For the more historical minded, there is a museum, that contains various historical artifacts and narrative devices. The museum is built along a section of rebuild outer wall. To the front of the wall, is a restored block house.
“In the mid-18th century, the contest for control of the lands west of the Appalachian Mountains was far from decided. Among the relative newcomers to the region were Shawnee, Delaware, and Seneca Indians in search of autonomy in the Ohio Country, as well as military representatives from the two most powerful nations in the world: England and France. The clash of these two great empires, which began in the backwoods of present day Western Pennsylvania, forever changed the course of world events, had powerful repercussions for Native America, and ultimately inspired thirteen rebellious colonies to declare their independence from Great Britain.“
https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/exhibits/fort-pitt-keystone-frontier
The museum contains the normal display area and gift shop. When you walk in, the first thing you see is a diorama of the fort, as it was first completed.
You then go into the gallery area of the main museum to see the different displays. Many are full scale dioramas telling the story of the fort during the French and Indian War and later Revolutionary War. These include narrative descriptions of the scene, artifacts and place in history.
There are also many cases with weapons, clothings and other items of the period. Along with a number of free standing items, like period artillery.
It is not a large museum and will not take too much time to visit. However, it is a nice stop and should be on your list if you are visiting Pittsburgh.
- Manteuffel