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.




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 10, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 11, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Transport yourself back in time! What was life like in a French Post in the 17th and 18th centuries? How did weapons change from war to war? What were military uniforms like? What did soldiers eat? How did they cook their meals?  Find answers to these questions and more as historical reenactors converge on the Old Fort this weekend. Observe demonstrations on period cooking, gardening, military life, and experience first-hand the life and activities of people from across the ages.

1812 Seige

Saturday, June 7, 10 am – 5 pm

Sunday, June 8, 10 am – 4 pm

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 9, 10 am – 5 pm

Sunday, August 10, 10 am – 4 pm

Come and experience this dramatic military period! Witness the French and Coalition armies meet on the battleground outside the 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.

 

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.  A Capital Campaign to raise funds for a total “Ground Up Reconstruction” of the buildings has been established. Phases I and II are complete! Historic Fort Wayne, Inc. does not receive state or federal funding but relies on generous donations from members of the community like you. Help “Keep the Fort in Fort Wayne” for another fifty years! 

Go to oldfortwayne.org to donate.  

What is the History of Historic Fort Wayne, Inc.?

Through the efforts of many dedicated citizens of modern Fort Wayne, The Old Fort was reconstructed on a plot of ground less than a quarter of a mile from the original site.  The first Historic Fort Wayne group opened the Old Fort to the public on or around July 4, 1976. 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 October of 2004 a new group was formed and took over operations. They adopted the Historic Fort Wayne, Inc. name (since the original group closed that operation and abandoned the name). 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. 

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.