More of historic Fort Pitt discovered -- more to be covered over

The ax-cut timbers arranged vertically along the interior wall of Fort Pitt provided a barrier during frontier battles, but will be little more than a speed bump for the state's ongoing renovation of Point State Park.

Workers discovered the posts two weeks ago, while cutting an electrical trench in the area next to the Portal Bridge and reflecting pool on the city side of the park.

Following a course of action recommended by on-site archeologists, and supported by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced yesterday that it will use ground-penetrating radar to document the location of the posts.

After creating an outline of the casement or storage area, the post remnants will be uncovered for a short time to measure, provide exact locations and document their condition. Then they'll be recovered and park renovations will continue. [The area will be a stone and concrete plaza.]...

Late last year, the state started its $35 million renovation of the 35-year-old, 36-acre park in downtown Pittsburgh at what was once known as the "Forks of the Ohio."