| The Columbia Gazetteer of North America. 2000. |
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| Fort Wayne |
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Fort Wayne, city (1990 pop. 173,072),  Allen co., NE Ind., where the St. Joseph and the St. Mary’s rivers join to form the Maumee R.; 41°04'N 85°08'W. The city straddles land divide bet. Wabash (Mississippi) and Maumee (St. Lawrence) river systems; Wabash-Erie Canal, completed here in 1843, provided water link to W. It is the 2d largest city in the state, a major RR and shipping point, a wholesale and distribution hub, and a diverse mfg. center, with large high-technology electronics and automotive industries. The Kekionga people had their chief town at this strategic water intersection before the French founded (c.1680) a trading post there. In 1697 a Fr. fort was built; it remained under Fr. control until 1760, when it was surrendered to the British. The fort was held briefly by Native Americans in Pontiac’s Rebellion. Later, they were subdued by Anthony Wayne, who built (1794) the fort named for him. The fur-trading center began to grow after the War of 1812. The city is the seat of several cols., the Indiana Inst. of Technology, and a branch of Ind. Univ.-Purdue Univ. The city has a philharmonic orchestra and numerous museums, including one devoted exclusively to Lincoln memorabilia. Also of interest are the Landing, the restored main street of the original frontier settlement; the sunken gardens at Lakeside Park; and the burial place of Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman). Baer Field Airport in SW part of city. Laid out 1824, inc. 1840. | | | | Capital city or county seat is shown by the symbol |
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| | | The Columbia Gazetteer of North America. Copyright © 2000 Columbia University Press. |
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