• 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.
  • 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.
  • Who was the fort named after?
    • The fort was named after General Anthony Wayne.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Why was Fort Shelby abandoned?
    • Fort Shelby deteriorated over the years after the British were ejected following the War of 1812.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
    • 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
  • What historic sites can visitors see at Fort Wayne today?
    • 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
  • 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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