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When did the United States Army begin surveying for a new artillery post?
- In 1840, the United States Army began surveying local farms along the Detroit River near British Canada.
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What was the design of the fort?
- The fort was designed in the shape of a five-point star.
- It was built to contain the most up-to-date cannon to fire upon enemy ships and the Canadian shore.
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Who was the fort named after?
- The fort was named after General Anthony Wayne.
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Why was General Anthony Wayne significant?
- General Wayne defeated the British in 1796 at Fallen Timbers.
- That defeat resulted in the Northwest Territories being occupied by the United States.
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What was the first fort built in Detroit?
- The first city fortress was Fort Pontchartrain du Detroit, built by the French in 1701 near what is today Hart Plaza.
- This fort was surrendered to the British in 1760 during the French and Indian War.
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What was the second fort built in Detroit?
- The British built Fort Lernoult several years later, further inland at the intersection of today’s Shelby Street and Fort Street.
- After the Americans gained control of Detroit in 1796, they renamed it Fort Shelby.
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Why was Fort Shelby abandoned?
- Fort Shelby deteriorated over the years after the British were ejected following the War of 1812.
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Why was Fort Wayne built?
- During tensions with British Canada, Fort Wayne was planned as part of America’s border defenses.
- It was meant to be a crucial defensive position in case of another territorial war.
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Did Fort Wayne ever see battle?
- No, Fort Wayne never saw battle because a treaty between Britain and the U.S. resulted in diplomatic resolutions.
- The fort was re-commissioned as an infantry garrison and did not hold troops until the start of the Civil War.
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What role did Fort Wayne play in U.S. military history?
- Fort Wayne served as an induction center for Michigan troops in every conflict from the Civil War to the Vietnam War.
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Over 125 years, it functioned as:
- A station for infantry training
- A temporary home for the Chaplain School
- A site for procuring weapons and vehicles made in Detroit during both World Wars
- A facility that housed Italian prisoners of war during World War II
- A shelter for families displaced after the 1967 riots
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What historic sites can visitors see at Fort Wayne today?
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Visitors can explore:
- The original limestone barracks from 1848
- The commanding officer's house
- An ancient Native American burial mound
- The renovated 1845 star fort
- The Tuskegee Airmen Museum
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Visitors can explore:
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Are guided tours available at Fort Wayne?
- Yes, guided walking tours are available seasonally.
- Tours last around 1 to 1.5 hours.
- They are offered on weekends regularly and by appointment on weekdays.
6325 West Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, MI 48209, Phone: 313-628-0796
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