This next year we have many anniversaries to look forward to at Historic Fort Steuben. Starting in 2026, our nation will celebrate its 250th anniversary and the fort will be ready to share in the festivities. We are actively planning events to make 2026 a fantastic year, not only at the fort, but in the community as well.

Also, next year will mark the 20th anniversary of our Concert Series, which began on site with a small stage in the parking lot of the Visitor Center. Now, we are hosting concerts in the Berkman Amphitheater to packed bleachers. Look for a great lineup when it is announced in the spring. In 2026, we will celebrate the 240th anniversary of the construction of the original Fort Steuben. The men of the First American regiment began working to construct the fort in October 1786, and it was completed in February 1787. And finally, next year will be the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Old Fort Steuben Project Inc. in 1986. This is the organization that was created with the purpose to rebuild the fort and interpret its unique history.

Construction on the reconstructed fort began in 1989, and was finally completed in 2009, with the addition of the guard house. It is incredible to think of what a small group of folks can do to make a real change in the community, and that is exactly what happened in Steubenville with the Old Fort Steuben Project.

Naturally, it takes a lot of work to keep an organization like this going. Much of the important work at the fort is done by volunteers. All of the outdoor upkeep, lots of office work, decorating for Christmas, tour leaders and general staffing of the site is done by folks who believe in the site and bettering the community in which we live. The fort and park are a private, nonprofit organization and are not supported by the city, so we rely on the generosity of the community to keep the lights on and programming going.

As I mentioned, we rely so much on volunteers who make the day to day happen at the fort. Recently, we lost three important volunteers who gave so much of themselves to our community.

Many of you knew historian Jeff Evans. Jeff left us suddenly, but his legacy in Steubenville will be remembered long into the future. Jeff was a walking encyclopedia on the Civil War. He and I spent time talking all about Steubenville Civil War history. I remember, specifically, one summer day walking through the weeds and jumping fences to discover if any of the original parts of the Steubenville wharf were left under the Market Street bridge. The Market Street bridge was opened in 1905, on top of the wharf located at the foot of Market Street. This historic spot was the location of a ferry which took folks over to the first Virginia, and then West Virginia, side of the river ever since Steubenville was founded in 1797. The site was also the jumping off point of riverboats, merchant ships and the like that stopped in Steubenville in her early days.

The wharf played an important role in the Civil War, as Jeff explained to me. He told me after the battle of Shiloh in 1862, specifically, many of the dead soldiers of Steubenville were unloaded at the wharf to be taken to Union Cemetery. Jeff and I did not find the remains of the wharf, but I have confidence that it is still there. Jeff’s work will live on in the stories he inspired, not only about the fort, but about our community, as well.

Another important volunteer we lost recently, was Jon Cooper. Jon was a dedicated volunteer and such an important part of our Christmas program, here at the park. Jon did so much for us and his skills as an artist and a woodworker really were incredible. Jon built many things at the fort, specifically, the electric chalets in the park, which we use almost daily. Without these boxes, we could not offer the events we do in the park. Jon built the Christmas in Steubenville sign that greets most visitors when they arrive at the big Christmas tree in the fountain in the park.

This display serves as the backdrop to many family photos, and many have made that photo a family tradition. But when I think of Jon and his biggest contribution to the fort, I think trains. Jon loved working with the trains at the fort, and he personally staffed the train display in the Visitor Center with his wife, Marianne, and his family. These trains delighted visitors of all ages and were a constant attraction to many.

It seems appropriate, then, that the Visitor Center sits right on top of a railroad spur that led from the main railroad line to a warehouse. That spur cut right across the lot that is Fort Steuben, today. Looking at the block today, you would never know that there was a railroad track on the site. Jon’s volunteer contribution will certainly live on in the joy that folks feel when they see his work at Fort Steuben.

Finally, recently, we lost our friend, Alan Hall. Alan was a gifted historian who served on our board at Fort Steuben for many years. More than that, though, Alan was a docent, giving many tours to visitors of the fort and sharing his love for history and our area. I can’t think of someone who did more to further the work of history in our community than Alan. Through his efforts, many historical resources became available to researchers through his work at the public library. Alan contributed his written works, over many years, to the Steubenville Herald-Star, essentially doing what I do here with this article, every two weeks.

I know he was a reader of this piece because on more than one occasion he would e-mail me with a comment or suggestion about a recent article. Alan told me many historical things, but my favorite story of his is when I had completed my research on the Hub Department Store.

He said when he began working at the library, his staff talked so fondly of the place, he asked them one time if they could take him there. Being relatively new to town, he was not aware that the Hub had closed a few years prior and his staff politely told him that the trip was not possible. History sticks in Steubenville to be sure, and Alan knew much about the history of our town. His legacy, as far is the fort is concerned, is the way he inspired future generations to learn about the past.

All in all, our volunteers, those who are still here and those who have gone on to their rest, have contributed so much to making the site what it is today. Fort Steuben not only explains the history of the past, but is a living memorial and reminder of the work volunteers can do to better their community. I am blessed to be part of that important work and excited to help navigate Fort Steuben for its next 40 years.

(Zuros is the executive director of Historic Fort Steuben.)