Fort Steuben announces Baron von Steuben Nutcracker drawing

STEUBENVILLE -- A little holiday spirit and a chance to own a unique piece of history will help support a lasting tribute to Steubenville’s namesake this Christmas season. Historic Fort Steuben is announcing a special drawing during this year’s Christmas at the Fort, featuring a handcrafted Steinbach nutcracker depicting Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben.

Made in Germany, the 17-inch-tall nutcracker is a beautiful and distinctive collectible honoring the Prussian military officer who helped transform the Continental Army during the American Revolution. The nutcracker was donated to Historic Fort Steuben by the Ebenezer Zane Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Tickets will be available for $5 each during Christmas at the Fort, Nov. 27- Dec. 27, with all proceeds going toward Historic Fort Steuben’s project to erect a statue of Baron von Steuben in Fort Steuben Park.

The statue project is an effort to create a permanent tribute to the man for whom Steubenville was named. Baron von Steuben played a vital role in the American Revolution, bringing discipline, organization and professional military training to the Continental Army. His contributions helped turn a collection of citizen soldiers into a more effective fighting force and left a lasting mark on the nation’s history.

The statue project has already raised approximately $95,000 toward its $140,000 goal, and Historic Fort Steuben is continuing its fundraising efforts to secure the remaining funds needed to bring the project to completion.

“We are grateful to the Ebenezer Zane Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution for donating this wonderful piece for the drawing,” said Paul Zuros, executive director of Historic Fort Steuben. “It is especially fitting that a nutcracker depicting Baron von Steuben will help raise funds for a statue honoring his legacy here in the city that bears his name. We hope the community will join us in supporting this project.”

Christmas at the Fort provides an opportunity to enjoy the holiday season while supporting local history and the preservation of Steubenville’s heritage. Visitors are encouraged to purchase drawing tickets, try their luck at winning this special collectible and help make the Baron von Steuben statue a reality.

Information about Christmas at the Fort and the Baron von Steuben statue project is available through oldfortsteuben.com