Fort Harmar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Harmar |
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| Part of the Northwest Territory of the United States | |
| Marietta, Ohio | |
Fort Harmar near Marietta by Joseph Gilman
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Fort Harmar plaque at Marietta
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| Site history | |
| Built | 1785 |
| Built by | John Doughty |
| Battles/wars | Northwest Indian War |
| Events | Treaty of Fort Harmar |
| Garrison information | |
| Past commanders |
Josiah Harmar, John Doughty, David Ziegler |
| Occupants | United States troops |
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Fort Harmar
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Ohio
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| Location | across the river from Marietta, Ohio |
| Part of | Harmar Historic District (ID74001645) |
| Designated CP | 1974 |
Fort Harmar was an important early United States military fort. It was built in 1785 where the Ohio and Muskingum rivers meet. This spot was on the west side of the Muskingum's mouth.
Colonel Josiah Harmar, a commander in the United States Army, ordered its construction. The fort was named after him. Its main purpose was to protect Native American lands. It stopped early settlers, called "pioneer squatters," from moving into areas northwest of the Ohio River.
Its location was chosen carefully. It controlled the mouth of the Muskingum River. It also overlooked the Ohio River for a long distance both upstream and downstream. This made it the first frontier fort built in what was then called Ohio Country.
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Fort Harmar's History
Fort Harmar is famous for being the place where the Treaty of Fort Harmar was signed in 1789. This important agreement was made between the United States and several Native American tribes.
The fort's presence also helped in the founding of Marietta, Ohio. Marietta was established in 1788, just east of the Muskingum River.
A Special Celebration
During the first anniversary of Marietta's founding, a doctor named Solomon Drowne spoke about Fort Harmar. He praised Colonel Harmar and the other officers. He said they had always helped the new settlement. He also mentioned that the fort showed the military strength of America.
Fort Harmar Today
Fort Harmar was no longer needed by 1790. It was taken down in the summer of 1791. This happened because the area was being used for other things. Also, the town of Marietta was growing and expanding to the west side of the river.
Today, the exact spot of the fort is hard to find. The Ohio River has been made wider by dams. Experts believe the fort's original location is now underwater near the mouth of the Muskingum River.
The area of Marietta where the fort once stood is still called Harmar. This neighborhood is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Harmar Historic District.
Nearby Fortifications
Other important forts were built close to Fort Harmar.
Campus Martius
The Campus Martius was a strong fort built for the Marietta settlement. It was located on the east side of the Muskingum River, upstream from Fort Harmar. Construction began in 1788 and finished in 1791. This was at the start of the Northwest Indian War. Campus Martius was the first main settlement of Marietta.
Picketed Point
The Picketed Point was another fort in Marietta. It was built in 1791. This fort was directly across the Muskingum River from Fort Harmar. It stood on the east side of the river's mouth.
