Historic Fort Halifax Park and Preserve encompasses 174 acres of land in Halifax, Pennsylvania. The park is owned by Halifax Township (2006), land protected (in perpetuity) under a conservation easement with Central PA Conservancy (2004), eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (2020), on the Preservation PA PAatRisk sites list (2021), and most recently (2021) the "rediscovered" site
of Fort Halifax (see below). This beautiful passive recreation park includes scenic areas of Susquehanna River frontage, the Armstrong Creek, pristine woodlands, and open fields for wildlife and relaxing nature walks. The park has many trails, blue bird and duck nesting boxes, gardens, and natural areas. Of historical interest the park is the site of Fort Halifax, one of a line of fortifications built along the Susquehanna River. The Fort, built in 1756 under the command of Colonel William Clapham, was a garrisoned 160'x160' structure. It was erected to protect settlers on the frontier and to act as the "go between" for supplies moving to and from Fort Hunter (Harrisburg) and Fort Augusta (Sunbury). After 18 months (1757) Fort Halifax was decommissioned, the garrison of 30 men was moved, and the fort dismantled (1763). In June 2021 Juniata College Cultural Resources Institute director Dr. Jonathan Burns led archaeology field school students in the successful "rediscovery" of the location of Fort Halifax! This property also has a rich agricultural history! It was farmed for over 200 years, from the Armstrong family to the last owners, the Yeager family. The oldest remaining historic structures at the park are the early 1800's Schweitzer Bank Barn and companion farmhouse. The 1950's Yeager House, and quaint farming outbuildings are currently enjoying renovations. There are future plans to renovate the historic barn and farmhouse as well as many other plans for the park. There is also a portion of the Wiconisco Canal on the west side of the park. And as you drive along Route 147 you can see part of the World War l Sycamore Allee as it bi-sects the east and west sides of the park property. Sycamore Allee is on the National Register of Historic Places. The park is the site of many events. Two annual events are the Colonial Fort Halifax Festival, and the 5B's Pollinator & Garden Faire. The Colonial Festival, held the first Saturday of May, features living historians, reenactors who perform battle and trade reenactments, exhibitors, and demonstrators who educate visitors about 18th Century Colonial living, the French and Indian War, and Native American life. The 5B's Pollinator & Garden Faire, held the third Saturday in June, features expert speakers and organizations who guide and educate visitors about native and invasive plants, how to attract pollinators and important wildlfe, and what is needed to take an active role in saving the struggling wildlife in our communities. Please Note: This park is open year round. Daily hours are open at dawn/close at dusk. The non-profit 501c3 Friends of Fort Halifax Park, Inc. are the stewards for this park. And, because this park is an active archaeology site, metal detector use and/or removal of any artifacts/items from this park is prohibited. You can learn more about Fort Halifax Park by going to the website - www.forthalifaxpark.org
