Steubenville offers several distinct points of interest for a stay: a reconstructed military fort on the Ohio River, a downtown district with 17 historic churches, murals and Union Cemetery. Beatty Park adds native plants, streams, wildlife and hiking trails to the mix. The different places make it easy to consider cultural history and nature as distinct aspects of the city.

Historic Fort Steuben on the Ohio River

Historic Fort Steuben is located in Steubenville, Ohio, on the Ohio River and is a reconstructed military fort. Visitors can explore the reconstructed fort on self-guided tours. The fort also has an herb garden. This brings several aspects together: the military historic site, independent exploration and a garden as another feature of the place. The First Federal Land Office is right next to Historic Fort Steuben; both sites are downtown. Their proximity connects two distinct historical points of interest at neighboring locations.

Church District and Murals

The Historical Steubenville Churches comprise 17 historic churches across an area of eight city blocks downtown. The size of the district sets it apart from the single fort: the focus here is an entire downtown area with several historic churches. If you are interested in urban and church history, the district offers a different perspective on Steubenville than the reconstructed military site and the neighboring Land Office.

The murals are another cultural theme. There is an audio tour of the City of Murals in Steubenville. Maps and a book describing the individual murals are also available at the Steubenville Visitor Center. The offerings differ in format: the maps provide orientation, the book describes the individual murals, and the audio tour adds an audio format to the information available.

Union Cemetery: Structures and Family Connections

Union Cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes several specific historical points of interest. The cemetery is home to the Old Stone Chapel, built in 1892. The Old Stone Bridge is also on the grounds; it was built around 1880. The Dog Marker marks John Boillin’s grave. The cemetery also includes the graves of Woodrow Wilson’s grandparents and the family of Edwin M. Stanton, Lincoln’s Secretary of War. The cemetery thus brings together architectural history, a named grave marker and family connections.

Beatty Park as a Natural Counterpoint

Beatty Park offers a different focus from the fort, churches and cemetery. The park covers 99 acres and offers native plants, streams, wildlife and hiking trails. These features range from plant and animal life to trails for hiking. If you would like to include landscapes and nature alongside the historical themes, this provides a distinct focus among the options in Steubenville.

Hotel Search Priorities

Beatty Park offers its own nature and hiking focus. Consider which of these sides of Steubenville you would like to center your stay around, and tailor your hotel search accordingly.

For the broader travel overview: Jefferson.