Fort Wayne History
Early Pioneers to Modern Day Technology
Did you know that the city of Fort Wayne is over 200 years old? The information you'll find below is just part of the history that makes Fort Wayne the city that it is today.
Fort Wayne - A Summary
Fort Wayne in the 1800's
Early settlers and Native Americans referred to Fort Wayne as a crossroads because of its strategic location at the convergence of three rivers - the St. Mary's, the St. Joseph, and the Maumee Rivers. The city of Fort Wayne is named after General "Mad" Anthony Wayne, a bold military leader who established the first American fort at the confluence of the three rivers.
In 1824, the Indiana General Assembly established Allen County, and the 1830's brought about the construction of the Wabash and Erie Canal in Fort Wayne. This famous canal earned Fort Wayne the nickname "Summit City" because it was the highest point above sea level along the entire canal route.
Years later, with the advent of the railroad, Fort Wayne held a key position in the great Pennsylvania Railroad and soon become known as the "Altoona of the West." As the 1800's drew to a close, industry in Fort Wayne continued to flourish as immigrants poured into the area seeking jobs .
Fort Wayne in the 1900's
As the 1900's rolled onto American history, Fort Wayne continued to flourish. Even during the Great Depression Fort Wayne continued its economic boom. Companies like Lincoln National Life Insurance Corporation, Farnsworth Television, Zollner Piston, Central Soya and the Holsum Bakery all called Fort Wayne home. Notable Fort Wayne landmarks like the Embassy Theatre, the Scottish Rite Auditorium, and the Lincoln Tower were built during these boom years.
Fort Wayne Today
Today, Fort Wayne is not only the hub of three rivers, it is also a major metropolitan area and the second largest city in Indiana. Fort Wayne continues to progress as corporations and individuals live, thrive and expand together. In fact during the 1980's and 1990's Fort Wayne received accolades as an All-American City and a Most Livable City.
As Fort Wayne enters the 21st Century, it continues to look forward to a time of invention, innovation, and progress.
Fort Wayne - A Detailed History
Interested in more Fort Wayne history? For a more detailed history of Fort Wayne, including the First Fort and Little Turtle, click here to download the document.
Black History
Black history plays an important part in Fort Wayne's history. To learn more, click here to download a document celebrating local black history. Thank you to INK magazine for providing the link.
German History
Each year, Fort Wayne German's history is celebrated with GermanFest, a festival in downtown Fort Wayne. To learn more about German heritage in Fort Wayne click here.