In 1789, Fort Washington was built to protect early settlements located in the Northwest Territory. The fort was located within modern-day downtown Cincinnati, Ohio and was used to protect settlers of that city in its early years. Gen. Josiah Harmar described it as "one of the most solid substantial wooden fortresses. . .of any in the Western Territory." The stockade's walls were two stories high with blockhouses located at each corner. The fort was named in honor of President George Washington.