The fort constructed by Major John Whistler and his men during 1815-1816 was the last of three American forts to stand at the junction of the St. Mary’s, St. Joseph, and Maumee Rivers. It was designed to be easily defended against a Native American attack by a garrison of only 50 to 75 men. With two lines of pickets, heavy gates, and well-placed blockhouses, it was impossible to penetrate. This fort was by far the most sophisticated and carefully designed all-wooden fort ever built in North America. It was not fear of the Native Americans, but rather the rapid westward movement of the frontier that caused Fort Wayne to be abandoned after only three years of use. It was decommissioned April 19, 1819.

The Old Fort is a faithful copy of the post built by American troops under the command of Major John Whistler. Through the efforts of many dedicated citizens of modern Fort Wayne, it was reconstructed on a plot of ground less than a quarter of a mile from the original site. It opened to the public on or around July 4, 1976.




   
Historic Fort Wayne, Inc took over operations in October 2004. With the assistance of the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department this community asset remains open to the public during certain days and special events held throughout the year. Here, life in the last frontier Army post of Indiana is being recreated.

Historic Fort Wayne, Inc is a 501 not-for-profit organization founded in 2004.  We are dedicated to developing a historically based education program housed in the Old Fort.  Our goal is to educate the community about the Old Fort and its significance to the Old Northwest Territory, the State of Indiana, and the United States through interactive programming.

Most of our events are free to the public. We are a 100% volunteer organization. We do not receive any federal or state funding. Programming is funded by generous private and corporate donations.

Old Fort Restoration Project

The Old Fort has been an iconic landmark in Fort Wayne for almost fifty years! Time and weather have taken their toll. Major repair and reconstruction is needed. On March 19, 2924, we kicked off a Capital Campaign to raise funds for a total "Ground Up Reconstruction" of all the buildings of the Old Fort. Through grants and generous donations from supporters, we have already raised over $380,000. Phase 1 has already begun on the Spy Run Blockhouse. Phase 2 will be the Doctor's Office and Hospital. It will begin as soon as funding is secured. To complete the total project, we need to raise an additional $1,500,000.

Historic Fort Wayne, Inc. does not receive state or federal funding, but relies on generous donations from members of the community like you. Will you please consider supporting us? 

Help us “Keep the Fort in Fort Wayne” for another fifty years!

Go to oldfortwayne.org to donate.  

Upcoming Events 

We are excited to welcome visitors to the Old Fort.  

The majority of the events are open to the public at no charge. Donations are accepted. For more information call (260) 437-2836.

The Old Fort is located at 1201 Spy Run Ave Fort Wayne, IN 46805. 

Please note:  Parking is available in the empty lot across from the fort.  Please use extreme caution when crossing Spy Run to access the fort.

Check our website www.oldforwayne.org, facebook.com/HistoricFortWayne, or call (260) 437-2836 for schedule updates and information.  

Muster on the St. Mary’s –

A Timeline Event

Saturday, May 11, 10:00 am. .-5:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 12, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Did you know that the first fort built in the area was a French Post? What was life like in the 17th and 18th centuries? What types of uniforms have soldiers worn throughout history? Why are most uniforms made of wool material? How have weapons changed from war to war? Find out answers to these questions and much more as historical reenactors converge on the Old Fort this weekend. Observe demonstrations on period cooking, gardening, military life, and much more. Experience first-hand the life and activities of the people from across the ages. Each year is unique so be sure to come out!

Siege of Fort Wayne 1812 

Saturday, June 8, 10 am – 5 pm

Sunday, June 9, 10 am – 4 pm

From the days of the American Revolutionary War to the end of the 1812 war, British agents operating from Canada worked to instigate Native American tribes against the United States as part of an effort to block American expansion westward. During the War of 1812, Indiana Territory was home to several conflicts between the United States territorial government and partisan Native American forces backed by the British. Fort Wayne, situated on the confluence of the Three Rivers, was on the front line in a battle that could have decided the fate of the entire Northwest Territory. Had Fort Wayne fallen, Great Britain would have controlled the entire western border of the United States. This weekend at the Old Fort, reenactors will recreate the Siege of Fort Wayne during the War of 1812. Come experience the conflict! Observe musket and cannon demonstrations. Visit with soldiers, civilians, and period artisans. Enjoy children’s activities and check out the latest Old Fort merchandise!

Napoleonic Days

Saturday, August 3, 10 am – 5 pm

Sunday, August 4, 10 am – 4 pm

The Napoleonic era (1799–1815) is a period in the history of France and Europe. It was a time of epic land battles, naval engagements, political unrest, and widespread revolution. It was an era defined by one legendary general, Napoleon Bonaparte. Come and experience this dramatic military period! Witness the French and Coalition armies meet on the battleground outside the Old Fort. Observe both military and civilian reenactors engage in daily life and drills. Visit with local artisans and check out the latest Old Fort merchandise.

Post Miami 1755

Saturday, August 24, 10 am – 5 pm

Sunday, August 25, 10 am – 4 pm

The French were the first Europeans to settle in the Great Lakes region. They arrived in northeast Indiana in the late 1600s. The confluence of the three rivers helped facilitate a lucrative fur trade with the Native American tribes. Political enmity between the British and the French in Europe carried over into North America. To protect their new venture, the French completed construction of Fort Miami in 1722, the first of two French forts built in the area. This weekend at the Old Fort, witness French and British forces reenact the clash for control of the area. In addition, fur traders, Native Americans, soldiers, and civilians will demonstrate daily activities. Experience the sound of muskets and cannons! Visit with local artisans and check out the latest Old Fort merchandise.

Summer Photos

Unit Commanders converse in Post Miami Camp.

Children of Colonial America 

World War I camp at the Muster on the St. Mary's - Timeline of Several Centuries Event.

4th and 5th graders experiencing Education Day at the fort. 

Fall Photos

Musket demonstration during Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown.

Ghost stories around the campfire during Fright Night Lantern Tours.

Regimental soldiers in front of the barracks during Christmas at the Fort.

Winter Photos

Mending clothes in front of a warm fire. 

Smoking fresh fish over an open fire. 

US soldier on duty at the fort.