Fort Zeller, also known at Zeller’s Fort or the Heinrich Zeller House, is one of the oldest forts in Pennsylvania. Built in 1745, the Fort is one-and-a-half stories tall and constructed in the Pennsylvania-German traditional architectural style. Fort Zeller was originally built as a log house in 1723 before being re-built by Heinrich Zeller in 1745. As a location on the National Register of Historic Places, it is considered one of the most important representations of Pennsylvania-German Traditional architectural style in the United States.
Fort Zeller served many functions: a shelter against Native American Indian raids, a residence for the Zeller Family, a meeting place, and the site of many religious services.
Architectural Features of Fort Zeller:
- Outer limestones walls coated with stucco and heavy timbers
- Small windows with locking shutters
- Steep, gabled roof
- Wooden front door
- Zeller Family crest
- A natural spring flowing through the basement that provided drinking water and cold storage
Categories: Explore, History & Heritage