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 during the 17th and 18th centuries 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.

2022 Events 

We are excited to welcome visitors to Historic Fort Wayne for the 2022 Season. We continue to monitor the COVID virus information  provided by the Allen County Board of Health Department, the City of Fort Wayne, and the CDC. To ensure everyone’s experience is enjoyable and safe, we ask that you follow the posted Health and Safety Guidelines while visiting the fort. 

These 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:  The bridge on Spy Run Avenue is undergoing construction and is often down to one lane.  Expect traffic delays when visiting the Old Fort.  For the safety of our visitors, we strongly encourage you to park at Headwaters Park or Lawton Park.  Otherwise, please use extreme caution when crossing Spy Run Avenue. Construction is expected to last until the end of the year.

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

In addition to our special weekend events, the Old Fort will be open June 1 - July 31, 2022.

Summer Hours at the Old Fort

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

Sunday, 12:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m.  

Learn the history of the forts in Fort Wayne.  Tour the buildings and walk the grounds. Talk with a soldier about military life.  Visit with an artisan when available (check our Facebook page for specific details and schedules). Personal tours will be available.  For larger groups, please call (260) 437-2836 to schedule.  

*Special events take precedence over these hours and may cause the fort to close early on those Fridays. Always check our website and facebook page for updates and schedules.

Post Miami – August 27-28

Saturday, August 27, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 28, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Witness the 1700’s come alive! During the French and Indian War, the Old Fort was a French outpost known as Post Miami. This weekend at the Old Fort, the French and British forces clash for control of the area. In addition, fur traders, Native Americans, civilians, and soldiers will demonstrate daily activities. Experience the battles and infantry drills. Watch a cannon being fired. Visit the merchants and talk with historic artisans. Take a tour of the fort. 

Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown

Sunday, September 11, 12:00-5:00 p.m.

History comes to life at Fort Wayne’s Historic Old Fort! 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. Be a tourist in your own hometown and visit over 17 Fort Wayne museums and attractions today for FREE!

Fright Night Lantern Tours

Saturday, October 15, 6:00-10:00 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. Purchase a sweet treat from the bake sale and enjoy stories by the fire while you wait. Keep an eye out for the Headless Horseman! Admission is $5. Ages 9 and younger are free when accompanied by an adult.  Ticket sales begin at 5:30 p.m. and are available on a first come, first serve basis. No tickets will be sold after 9:00 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Old Fort.

Christmas at the Old Fort

Saturday, November 26, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Welcome the holidays with fun and festivities at the Old Fort!  Enjoy learning how Christmas was celebrated here during the 1700s and 1800s. 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. Warm up by the fire as we deck the halls.  History and the holidays come to life at the Old Fort!

Summer Photos

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

The fort Sutler displays his wares for the soldiers and civilians of the Revolutionary War.

A woman dressed in period attire for Post Miami.

The gardener snips herbs from Whistler's Herb Garden located outside of the commander's kitchen.

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.