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.
Christmas at the Fort – A Timeline Event
This event has been canceled due to upcoming construction.
Phase II of The Old Fort Restoration Project will begin Monday, December 2, on the Doctor’s Quarters and Hospital. A crew from Hart Log Homes LLC will begin demolition of the building. The new timbers will arrive Wednesday, December 4. Due to the timbers and heavy equipment that will be on the parade grounds, it will not be safe to host an event and receive visitors. We are disappointed, but the timeliness of this could not be helped.
A Capital Campaign is currently in progress. Please consider supporting us to help Keep the Fort in Fort Wayne! Go to oldfortwayne.org to donate.
Nouvelle Annee
Saturday Only, January 25, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The year dawns anew at Post Miami. It is the early days of 1745 at this French colonial outpost situated beside the great Native American Village of Kekionga of the Myaamia Nation. The new year brings troubling news from the east, a new war has begun with England. On the Atlantic coast battles are being fought and fortresses laid to siege. But at Post Miami, there is trouble of a different kind. The flow of trade goods is being cut off due to the war in the east. The traders have little goods to offer the Native Americans. Unrest grows as the short supply of goods continues to hamper the lucrative trade.
Come experience a day in the life of the early inhabitants of Fort Wayne. The Old Fort will host French Colonial reenactors with displays of domestic life, the economics of the fur trade, and military life. See skits illustrating the tension of this time, recreating actual historic events which occurred in 1745 near what would become Fort Wayne, Indiana.
1812 Officer & NCO Training
Saturday Only, February 15, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
A winter posting in a frontier fort focuses on military drills and training. This weekend is a gathering of officers and soldiers to learn about the skills needed to lead troops at the company and battalion levels. Soldiers wishing to become an officer, and current officers wishing to become more proficient, will participate in maneuvers and drill sessions. Winter survival also depends on daily duties and work details. Visit with soldiers and witness what it was like to live in a frontier fort during the cold months of winter.
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 of 2024 we kicked off a Capital Campaign to raise funds for a total "Ground Up Reconstruction" of all the buildings of the Old Fort.
Phase II of The Old Fort Restoration Project will begin Monday, December 2, at the Old Fort on the Doctor’s Quarters and Hospital. A crew from Hart Log Homes LLC will begin demolition of the building Monday morning. The new timbers will arrive Wednesday, December 4. Construction of the new building will begin as early as Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning.
We are working hard at preserving and maintaining the Old Fort so we can continue to bring history alive in Fort Wayne for years to come. A Capital Campaign is currently in progress. Historic Fort Wayne, Inc. does not receive state or federal funding but relies on generous donations from members of the community. We need your help to Keep the Fort in Fort Wayne!
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. 
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.
