Remembering Steubenville: From Frontier Fort to Steel Valley

by John R. Holmes

Beginning as a military fort on the banks of the Ohio River, Steubenville powered into the twentieth century with steam and steel. Fierce battles, raging fires and tragedy on the river could not deter this indefatigable community, and it emerged as an industrial and cultural beacon for the Ohio Valley. With warmth and humor, Dr. John R. Holmes chronicles the fascinating history and colorful characters of Steubenville. Brimming with tales of lavish theatres, local brews, famous crooners and personalities such as spunky Mother Beatty and legendary steamboat captain George O'Neal, this collection of vignettes offers a glimpse into a vibrant city and its proud people.

128 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2009

About the author

Dr. John R. Holmes (Ph.D., British Romanticism, Kent State University; M.A., St. Bonaventure University; B.A., Journalism, Bonaventure U.) is Professor of English at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio.

Reviews

[Paul Lunger · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who grew up next door to Steubenville in the village of Wintersville, John R. Holmes' "Remembering Steubenville: From Frontier Fort to Steel Valley" gave this read a bit more of an insight into an area that has a varied history & very proud people but has also at times (especially as of late) had trouble preserving its history. Holmes does a very good job of explaining the history of the city as well as introducing to at least this reader characters and place names that make the downtown area of the city what it once was. What I appreciated was the amount of research that went into the book as well as the reminders of what Steubenville was in its heyday & a reminder of the possibility of the future. Overall, though, this book is definitely a must read for anyone who lives in the area or once called it home since it does reveal things that to me are part of the hidden history of Jefferson county's largest city & county seat.