Fort Harmar Park
Preserving the land. Honoring America's History
Fort Harmar’s physical walls and footprint no longer exist, but the hallowed
grounds from which the fort operated should be returned to the public as an
historic park.
Preserving the land as a public park honors the service of soldiers and others at
Fort Harmar, promotes Marietta tourism and economic development, provides
educational opportunities, and expands green space and enhances community-
building. Fort Harmar Park would memorialize the place where important
events in local, regional, and national history occurred and serve as a tribute to
the people and events that shaped Marietta and beyond in the late 18th century.
Returning this land to accessible public space is an act of future investment in
Marietta and her citizens.
Why It Matters
Fort Harmar's Land
HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED THE NEW NATION
The United States Army constructed Fort Harmar in 1785 to protect the Native Americans
as well as the surveyors who were mapping the frontier for future settlement. Several
soldiers are thought to be buried in unmarked graves on the site. During the fort’s tenure,
important treaties were signed as the First American Regiment attempted to bring order
to an increasingly intense convergence of cultures: American revolutionaries, illegal
settlers, Native Americans, French immigrants, and African Americans. Fort Harmar
Park is a place where we can honor soldiers of the past, present, and future.
Beautiful riverbank parks exist in other cities, honoring those who sacrificed to build
our country. Each fort was “forgotten” but later reclaimed and rejuvenated over many
decades. Several forts that are no longer extant have come back to life by incorporating
their outlines, perimeter walls, or abandoned structures as elements of beautiful historic
public parks. History does not remain buried in the soil but is brought to the surface.
PROMOTING MARIETTA TOURISM AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Heritage and recreational tourism are important aspects of local economies. Carefully
designed historic parks attract visitors who support local businesses while in the area.
In spring, summer, and autumn months visitors will balance time spent inside museums,
shops, and restaurants with time outdoors in historic parks and green spaces.
PROVIDING EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Preserving the land and designating it historic public park space allows for an immersive
educational experience and a tangible link to the past. Stories in books or words on a
bronze plaque are no substitute for standing on the lands where the history of Marietta
and the Northwest Territory unfolded. The first sentence of Article 3 of the Northwest
Ordnance of 1787 notes “Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good
government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall
forever be encouraged.”
EXPANDING GREEN SPACE AND ENHANCING COMMUNITY-BUILDING
Green spaces in cities support improved health, enhance citizens’ quality of life, and
increase community involvement and engagement. They serve as sites for family and
community events. Preserving this land through creation of an historic public park
values our history, promotes healthy living, and sparks community interaction.