Shortly after Wayne’s arrival at the three rivers in present day Fort Wayne, a site was selected on the South side of the Maumee River (opposite where the reconstructed fort sits today) that afforded a commanding view of the rivers.The construction of Fort Wayne commenced on Monday, September 22, 1794.

General Anthony Wayne had as many as 300 men available for for the project – including artificers, pioneers and a large fatigue detachment of regular soldiers – while the remainder stood guard against anticipated attacks. Large oaks were marked for use. Cutting the timber was supervised by Major Burbeck.

The fort was somewhat reduced in size from its original plan due to the smaller command Wayne had been left with after the expiration of enlistments.To carry up the timber – wagon teams were used. They were pushed and pulled by parties of up to 30 men.Double walls were erected and the space between them filled with earth. A ditch outside the walls of the fort was dug which was to be 14’ deep and at least 14’ wide.Construction continued until October 21st.

This fort would stand until the year 1800 when it was replaced due to its poor condition by a new fort some 300 feet away. A third and final fort would be built in 1815 before Fort Wayne would ultimately be decommissioned in 1819.The current reconstructed fort near downtown Fort Wayne (begun in 1964) follows the 1815 Whistler Fort plans.