Old Fort History

Acreage: 1.5 acres

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.  Historic Fort Wayne opened the Old Fort to the public on or around July 4, 1976 and it was operated under their leadership until late 1987. A major renovation was completed in 1988.  The History Center then assumed operation until 1993.  In 2004 a new group was formed and able to adopt the Historic Fort Wayne name (since the original group closed that operation and abandoned the name)  when they incorporated.  Check out additional information about Historic Fort Wayne below.

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.  

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.

Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown

Sunday, September 8, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

History comes to life at Fort Wayne’s Old Fort! The Old Fort is a faithful copy of the post built by American troops under the command of Major John Whistler in 1815. Whistler’s fort was the third and last American fort built in the area. Meet soldiers and civilians and discover the earliest days of Fort Wayne.  See demonstrations on blacksmithing, spinning, gardening, period cooking, and baking. Enjoy games for all ages.  Check out the Old Fort merchandise and purchase a sweet treat at the Bake Sale!

Indiana Territorial Rangers Garrison

Saturday, October 12, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Sunday, October 13, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Experience living history at The Old Fort this weekend! The men of the Davis’ Indiana Territorial Rangers will be on garrison duty. It is the War of 1812. Learn the history of the Indiana Rangers program and their historical connection to Fort Wayne. Talk to the rangers about their tactics and gear. Observe the daily activities and responsibilities of an infantry company during the War of 1812!

Fright Night Lantern Tours

Saturday, October 19, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Tour the Old Fort at night! You will be guided by a historic interpreter who will present the Old Fort as it was in the early 1800s. Hear tales of encounters with the ill-fated Lieutenant Philip Ostrander, the Old Fort’s resident ghost. Tour the upstairs quarters to search for ghostly inhabitants. Purchase a sweet treat from the bake sale and enjoy stories by the fire while you wait. Keep alert! You never know who you might meet!

Admission is $5.00. Nine and under free when accompanied by an adult.  Ticket sales begin at 5:30 p.m. No tickets sold after 9:00 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Old Fort.

Christmas at the Fort – A Timeline Event

Saturday Only, December 7, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Have you ever imagined how Christmas was celebrated during war times throughout American History?  What was it like in 1812 in Fort Wayne?  What did they do in 1770 in Virginia? Talk with soldiers about how they observed the holidays. Visit with the artisans as they present hand-crafted gift ideas.  Pick up a sweet treat from the bake sale and check out the Old Fort merchandise. Welcome the holidays with fun and festivities at the Old Fort!

The 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 repairs and reconstruction are needed. In March we kicked off a Capital Campaign to raise funds for a total "Ground Up Reconstruction" of all the buildings of the Old Fort. Work has already begun! 

Historic Fort Wayne, Inc. does not receive state or federal funding, but relies on generous donations from members of the community. Will you consider helping us "Keep the Fort in Fort Wayne" for another fifty years? 

Go to oldfortwayne.org to donate.  

What is Historic Fort Wayne, Inc.?

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.

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. 





Napoleonic Days

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.