The Fort Pitt Block House: An Enduring Legacy
The Fort Pitt Block House, also known as Bouquet’s Blockhouse, stands as a testament to the rich history of Pittsburgh. Constructed in 1764, it is the only surviving structure of Fort Pitt, one of the most complex British forts in North America and a crucial defensive stronghold during the French and Indian War. This historic building is an integral part of the city’s past and present, offering a glimpse into the early beginnings of Pittsburgh.
A Glimpse into the Past
The Block House’s story began in the mid-18th century when the British erected Fort Pitt in response to the escalating conflicts with the French and their Native American allies. This fort was a major defensive establishment that played a significant role in the French and Indian War.
The Building of Fort Pitt
The decision to build a fort at the Point was made by George Washington in 1753 when he recognized the strategic advantage of the location. However, the French, under the command of Marquis Duquesne, also had their eyes on the Ohio Valley and had plans to construct their own fort. The British, however, were swift in their response. Captain William Trent arrived at the Point in 1754 and immediately began work on what was initially named Fort Prince George but is more commonly referred to as Trent’s Fort.
The French and Native Americans arrived, by canoe, at the half-finished fort in April 1754 and demanded its surrender. The fort, under the command of Ensign Ward, had no choice but to capitulate. Ward and his men were allowed to leave with their tools while the French began the construction of Fort Duquesne.
The Birth of the Block House
In 1763, during Pontiac’s Rebellion, Native American forces were able to attack Fort Pitt thanks to the dried-up moat surrounding it. Seeing this weakness, Colonel Bouquet, who was assessing the fort’s defenses after the rebellion, ordered the construction of a redoubt that could command the moat located on the Allegheny side of the fort. This redoubt was the Fort Pitt Block House.
Constructed out of brick and stone, the Block House was designed to allow soldiers to shoot at their enemies through portholes in the walls. An underground passage connected this structure to the fort, providing a secure line of defense.
The Block House: A Survivor
After the British secured peace with the Native Americans, they released Fort Pitt to the colonists in 1772. The fort hence became a battleground between Virginia and Pennsylvania, with both states fighting for control over the land. When Virginians took over, they renamed the fort to Fort Dunmore, in honor of their governor, Lord Dunmore.
In 1797, the U.S Army decommissioned the site and auctioned off all salvageable remains. However, the Block House, being outside of the fort, survived. It was converted into a tenement using bricks from the dismantled Fort Pitt.
The Block House: A Home
The Fort Pitt Block House served as a residence until the late 1800s. The first owners of the land, Isaac Craig and Stephen Bayard, sold it to James O’Hara in 1802. The property remained in O’Hara’s family until his granddaughter, Mary Schenley, donated the Block House to the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in 1894.
The Block House in the 20th Century
By the late 1800s, the Point neighborhood had deteriorated and had become known as skid row. The DAR worked tirelessly to restore the Block House and the surrounding area, removing the annex connected to the Block House, making many repairs to the structure, adding an iron gate, and improving the landscape. They opened it to the public as a museum, a lone reminder of Pittsburgh’s revolutionary past.
Industrialist Henry Clay Frick offered the DAR $25,000 to relocate the Block House to Schenley Park in 1902. The DAR refused the offer, and the case made it to the Supreme Court, where the decision was ultimately made in the DAR’s favor.
The Block House Today
Today, the Fort Pitt Block House still stands in its original location in the Golden Triangle. It was added to the list of National History Landmarks in 1960. It remains a testament to the resilience of Pittsburgh and its rich history, a beacon of the past in a modern city.
The Fort Pitt Block House is open to visitors year-round, offering a unique glimpse into Pittsburgh’s past. It’s a symbol of the city’s evolution, from a frontier fort to a bustling industrial center, and now a leading modern city. Visit the Block House today and experience the history that it has to share.
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