Fort Wayne-Detroit, MI Built in 1849, situated on the Detroit River, about a mile from the Canadian shore. The sight dates back to about 1000. About 19 Indian burial grounds were around the area. The University of Michigan excavated the remaining burial mound, finding remains over 900 years old. The present star fort was built atop one of the mounds. Inside the fort is the Enlisted Mens Barracks, and ammunition magazine. Other structures have long since been destroyed. Numerous buildings are on fort property outside the fort. Victorian Officers homes, from 1880. 1889- Spanish-American War Guard House. 1905, a new guard house. 4 enlisted mens barracks, a service club-1903, Headquarters-1905, & NCO row houses. Originally built to hold off British forces in case of attack. For 10 years after its construction it was dormant. There is evidence this was a final stop for the underground railroad. The Civil War revived the fort, fearing Britains support of the south. From there it was a garrison post till 1920. Troops were sent from here to the Spanish-American War. It was a temporary detention center for communists awaiting trial. During the great depression, the fort was opened to homeless families. During WWII, it was a hub for a motor supply depot. It also was home to Italian POWs, many settled in Detroit after the war. In 1948 the fort was turned over to the city to use as a military museum. Missiles were placed here during the cold war. It provided housing to displaced families during the 1967 12th Street Riot till about 1971. It is now operated by the Detroit Recreation Department, the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition, Friends of Fort Wayne, & The Detroit Historical Society.
Posted on: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 16:22:01 +0000