Known for historically and currently
With its signature 150-foot fountain and sightlines along the Monongahela River, Allegheny River, and Ohio River, 36-acre Point State Park is Downtown Pittsburgh’s premier location for outdoor recreation, cultural events, festivals, and fireworks. Wide promenades on either side of a great lawn carry visitors to the rivers’ confluence and the western terminus of the Great Allegheny Passage, which is marked with a large bronze medallion set into the stone at the very tip of the park.
History of the location
Point State Park commemorates the conflict among Native and European cultures at this location dating back to the French and Indian War. Fort Duquesne, built by the French in 1754 to protect its holdings in the Ohio Territory, is marked by a granite outline of its original location. It was replaced by Fort Pitt, completed by the British in 1761 after gaining control of the region. Its five bastions are also outlined in brick within the park. The only remaining original structure is the Fort Pitt Blockhouse, an extent defensive structure built in 1764 and the oldest authenticated structure west of the Allegheny Mountains. Visitors can stop at the Fort Pitt Museum, which details the history of both forts, the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, the Whiskey Rebellion, and the founding of Pittsburgh.
Visitor Information
Point State Park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. Day use areas close at dusk. There is no parking at Point State Park, although metered on-street parking and several fee-based parking lots and garages are located within walking distance of the park. The Fort Pitt Museum is open 10:00 am to 5:00 seven days a week, except on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.