A reconstructed military fort on the Ohio River offers a unique perspective on Jefferson’s history. Historic Fort Steuben is located in Steubenville, Ohio. Construction began in 1786, and the fort was completed in 1787. It was intended to protect surveyors mapping the Northwest Territory of the United States for settlement. The site brings together the history of early land surveying and the reconstruction of a military fort.
The grounds include an herb garden and an archaeological site. The exhibition hall at the Fort Steuben Visitor Center explores Ohio’s history, and Historic Fort Steuben offers self-guided tours. History enthusiasts can connect different aspects here: the surveying of the territory, the fort’s purpose, and the traces left at the site over time.
Stories in Steubenville’s Streets and Collections
Steubenville’s “City of Murals” also tells the story of the region: 24 large-scale artworks on buildings depict its history. An audio tour of the murals includes descriptions of individual works where available. Guide maps and a descriptive book about the murals are available at the Steubenville Visitor Center. The city’s 17 historic churches with stained-glass windows offer a different perspective on downtown architecture.
Historical objects are displayed across 19 rooms at the Jefferson County Historical Museum. Collections include Steubenville Pottery, Civil War records, and local memorabilia; admission is free. The Jefferson County Historical Association is a separate institution: its library contains more than 5,000 books, pamphlets, and records related to Jefferson County. The Association is housed in the three-story Emma Carter Sharpe Zeis Mansion, completed in 1919.
Insights into the History of Mount Pleasant
The Quaker Yearly Meeting House in Mount Pleasant was completed in 1814. It was the first Quaker yearly meeting house west of the Allegheny Mountains. The building is part of the Mount Pleasant Historic District, a National Historic Landmark District. The district is associated with Quaker history, the antislavery movement, and the Underground Railroad. These connections give the historic site significance beyond its architectural history.
Another historic building is the Old Stone Chapel in Historic Union Cemetery, built in 1892. Historic Beatty Park has a 1.7-mile loop trail and is connected to the cemetery. This links a specific trail with a historic site without implying a particular walking time or level of difficulty.
Parks, Water, and Trails
Friendship Park is in Jefferson County, outside the village of Smithfield, and covers 1,320 acres. Its main lake covers 89 acres. It is home to catfish, bass, sunfish, carp, and trout. Boating is permitted; kayaking and canoeing are recommended. Fishing is allowed from sunrise to sunset. The park also offers opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. RV sites and facilities, as well as camping areas, round out the amenities.
Other natural areas offer different experiences. Jefferson Lake State Park has a 17-acre lake, family and equestrian camping areas, and miles of challenging multi-use trails. Fernwood State Forest covers more than 3,000 acres. Public fishing, hunting, hiking, and camping are permitted there, and facilities for target and trap shooting are also available. The size and activity details help distinguish a park with a lake and multi-use trails from a large forest area.
Discover more destinations: Steubenville, Geauga County, Jackson, Greene, Fairfield, Morrow County, Pike County, Washington.
For the main travel overview: Ohio.
