Fort Pitt Block House

I adored this structure since it is the oldest surviving English building West of the Allegheny mountains. One can see the date stone at the top of the entrance way, showing the inscription of Henry Bouquet, the second-in-command at the time of the Forbes Expedition and who recommended the blockhouse to be built. I would look in this building for the history, then head towards the Fort Pitt Museum to learn more about the history of this area during the French and Indian War (Seven Years War) as well as the American Revolution.

Located on the grounds of Point State Park is Fort Pitt Block House. The oldest building in Pittsburgh constructed on 1764. Built by the British. It was part of Fort Pitt . The only remaining building left of it

This structure is smaller and nearby the museum, but at least it's free to access and open to the public 4 days a week. The Block house has friendly staff that greeted us and gives great info about the history, from it's creation and it's purpose of the Block house's existence. There's some mini displays inside, with information booklets and canvas. The building is well-maintained, with some nice flora and plants around the fenced area. It's great to see and take photo snapshots too! It's worth visiting if you're already at the general park area.

The Fort Pitt Block House is over 250 year's old, and is the oldest building authenticated west of the Mountain Range. It was built in 1764, as part of the fort, to defend against Native American attacks. It has switched ownership numerous times throughout history, and was used as everything from actual part of the fort, to trading post, to private residence and today it stands as the only truly remaining portion of the fort left standing - while the rest, was torn down to help build the city. It's a small building, but a spectacular one, at that, a true piece of history that transports you back in time as you walk around and inside of it. Fun tip, look for the red dates on the walls, which is placed on the wall at the height of each year's great flood, standing as a true testimony to what this building has endured, including one flood that had the city under 15ft of water for a week and had submerged nearly the entire structure. The man answering questions inside was very informative and helped bring it all to life. Must see historical spot while in Pittsburgh located and surrounded by the nicest park in the city.

The Daughters of the American Revolution own this property! You have to experience it when you come to Pittsburgh. It is a free attraction and it is the oldest building in Pittsburgh. Originally the property was a fort that the French built. Then the British took over the property.. Now the property is in the hands of the Daughters of the American Revolution! Was an extremely cool place to go to!

Great park with a museum about the story of Fort Pitt. Visit the point, where the rivers flow together to build the Ohio.

Great views, adorable historical house, beautiful walkable garden area by the water.

The oldest building in Pittsburgh! Originally part of Fort Pitt. Now owned by the daughters of the revolution. It's a nice piece of history that extends before the revolution. The guy who works inside is very informative and friendly. He likes to ask about the visitors background and origins as much as he likes to talk about the history of the building and the site. It's a must-visit for anyone coming to Pittsburgh. Nice time to spend in the Point park and along the river walk as well.

--Location/Parking-- Located near downtown Pittsburgh near the Pitt tunnel. It is easy to miss underneath the bridge. I believe there is parking near the river, since I took public transit, I saw vehicles parked there, but I don't know how to get to the parking lots. --Ambience-- Outdoor fort, that was gated off for a private party. --Service/Staff-- Outdoor historic Fort --Products/Service-- No tour, free outdoor historic building. I wish there was some information on the Blockhouse --Capacity-- Outdoor venue where people are running. walking around the open park area. No capacity limit. --Overall-- Visit here if you are a history buff and see the museum next door. I wish they were connected in a tour.

It's really unimpressive at first, but once you've examined the map and spent a few minutes inside, the Fort Pitt Blockhouse starts to feel very historical. Yes, it's tiny, but that's because it's the last remaining structure of the original Fort Pitt, whose huge walls were arranged in a pentagram shape, with a bastion at each of its five points. Fort Pitt itself might be gone, but the blockhouse doesn't feel like a ruin. Quite the opposite; it's in such good shape that it made me wonder, at least, what the rest of the fort looked like when the City of Pittsburgh excavated Fort Pitt's foundations for archaeology. It's a sturdy little piece of American history in the middle of modern, beautiful Point State Park.

What a gem!! This just might be one of the best kept secrets in historical Pittsburgh. It played a role in so many events throughout the formation of our country. The staff is very knowledgeable especially docent Paul Kennedy who is a gem within the gem. It's also wonderful to see all the out-of-towners who visit the Blockhouse. I highly recommend a visit. And don't miss the Fort Pitt Museum next door.

What a cool, old building. You can really feel the history and the care out into preserving it. Museum was equally cool with tons of artifacts and information. Definitely a unique spot that I would recommend to anyone passing through. History was never one of my biggest interests but I really enjoyed this.

On a whim my travel companion and I decided to stick our heads in here to see what this was about. We were pleasantly surprised with the history, artifacts and their relation to the area. I could have spent another hour enjoying and reading if I'd had the time. It a must see if you walking around the Point Fountain area. I think any history buff would find it delightful.

The oldest building in Pittsburgh as well as the entire Ohio Valley, The Fort Pitt Blockhouse stands guard at Point State Park as a reminder to Pittsburgh's importance in the building of this nation. Built in mid 1764, it's one of five block houses, and the last remaining that stood at each corner of Fort Pitt. The Block house was a small building used for guarding the fort. Soldiers were positioned in each blockhouse which had tiny holes built in each wall to watch for enemy troops who might attack the fort by land or river. Free to the public, and donations to keep the block house are accepted. The blockhouse will be undergoing major renovations to get it ready for it's anniversary.

Here's another great chunk of Pittsburgh history. If you're in Point State Park, you are missing out if you don't come and see the Blockhouse and read a bit about it and your town (or the town you're visiting).

Nice little building to walk into after visiting the Fort Pitt museum. I liked that they marked the flood levels from over the years. I found that to be very interesting.