Historic Fort Wayne (referred to as 'historic' to separate it from Fort Wayne in Indiana) lies on the shores of the Detroit River, overlooking the waters and beyond into Canada, protecting the city from invaders than never came.
Currently, Historic Fort Wayne is being managed by a handful of dedicated volunteers, but such a small amount of people are struggling to maintain their foothold against degradation and erosion of the land and buildings. the fort represents more than a century of Detroit's history and represents an important aspect of American military history and culture.
Currently, Historic Fort Wayne is being managed by a handful of dedicated volunteers, but such a small amount of people are struggling to maintain their foothold against degradation and erosion of the land and buildings. the fort represents more than a century of Detroit's history and represents an important aspect of American military history and culture.
Construction
Construction lasted from 1842 to 1851, paid for by national funds approved by congress as part of a plan to create fortifications on America's northern boundary. A series of raids into Canada in the 1830's, referred to as the Patriot War, sparked fear of retaliation by the British-Canadian military, thus leading to approval for the funds. The fort was named after Revolutionary War hero General Wayne, who took Detroit back from the British in 1796. |
Civil War
In 1861, British sympathy for the Confederacy renewed fears of a British invasion from the North. For the first time since its construction, the fort was outfitted with cannon. Two weeks after the start of the war, the 1st Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment was the first unit to be mustered into service. Throughout the course of the war, the fort served as a mustering spot and a resting location for veterans. The fort never came under attack. |
20th Century
During the Spanish American War and both World Wars, the fort continued to be used as a mustering and training facility. Those accused of communism were held in custody in the fort during the First Red Scare, and the Civilian Conservation Corps used the fort as headquarters for the region during the Great Depression During World War 2, the Fort was designated a motor storage facility due to its proximity to the factories of Detroit. New wharehouses and buildings used for distribution were constructed on the premises. Every vehicle sent to combat regions from Detroit went through Fort Wayne. It also held Italian POWs captured during the war. While many returned home after the war, a large number settled in Detroit. |