If you’re a Harrisburg resident, chances are you may have driven past Fort Hunter countless times, but are you aware of the rich history behind the small stretch of land overlooking the Susquehanna River?
Settled in 1725, the property deemed “Hunters Mill” was named after Robert Hunter, a pioneer who had previously settled there, and the grist and saw mills, which were an important part of the area. The settlement thrived for years undisturbed until the French and Indian War threatened its existence. In an attempt to protect the area and its environs, the British built a series of forts reaching from Harrisburg to Sunbury. Fort Hunter, as it was called, was built in a bend along the river in 1756 and served as a supply depot and an alarm station.
After the war, the sturdy structure fell into disrepair and remained dormant until 1787 when Captain Archibald McAllister purchased the land and turned it into a self-sufficient frontier village, complete with mills, shops, a tavern and distillery.
Prominent Harrisburg resident Daniel Dick Boas later purchased the property in 1870 and eventually willed it to his daughter Helen and son-in-law John Reily, who, in turn, willed it to their nieces and nephews. Niece Margaret Wister Meigs recognized the historical significance of the property and bought out the others’ shares, creating the Fort Hunter Foundation.
Today, Dauphin County owns the property, located a few miles north of the city, and each year more activities are added to promote the historical significance of the Fort Hunter Mansion and the grounds that surround it.
This holiday season families are encouraged to mix history with the holidays by touring the Fort Hunter Mansion, decorated by the Harrisburg Garden Club.
“When we give a tour of the mansion, we don’t talk about china and furniture, we talk about how families lived hundreds of years ago and how they celebrated the holidays,” said park manager Julia Hair, noting children enjoy the tours as well.
After the tour, families may visit the elaborate toy train exhibit located in the Centennial Barn where children and adults alike can experience the sights and sounds of the railroad courtesy of the Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society.
Children age 12 and under can choose that special gift at a “Kids Only” holiday store also located in the Centennial Barn. Santa’s elves will be available to help little hands neatly wrap their treasures and all items will be priced under $10.
“The Festival of Trees,” is another big holiday draw enjoyed by Fort Hunter visitors. The annual event features trees trimmed by the Civic Committee of the Garden Club of Harrisburg. If you’re feeling lucky, you might even want to purchase a raffle ticket to vote for your favorite. “If you’re the winner, you can take the tree home,” Hair said.
Each year, the crowds grow larger as the word continues to spread about the many events offered at Fort Hunter. According to Hair, approximately 1,000 people took part in the family-friendly activities last season. “It makes for a nice little holiday outing without having to spend a lot of money,” she said.
For a list of prices, times and events, visit: https://forthunter.org/
