As the frontier of the young United States moved westward, the need for better transportation in an expanding nation became essential. While many early travelers through northeast Indiana used American Indian trails and buffalo paths, our three rivers also provided easy passage for the early settlers into this region. As settlers became farmers and farmers began producing a surplus of goods, paths and limited water transport were not sufficient for moving commodities on a large scale. Travel was slow and difficult and limited the importation of needed manufactured goods from eastern centers of commerce to the residents of this area.
Huge investments of capital, labor and determination led to the replacement of the early routes on the paths and rivers with construction of the Wabash and Erie Canal, improved roads, establishment of railroads, and airport facilities. Allen County played a major role in improving transportation for its residents and the nation. These strides in transportation improved communication as well, opening a new world to early residents. News from the East was greatly desired by the merchants, farmers, and politicians, and enhanced transportation provided more efficient means to exchange letters and newspapers to keep city residents well informed. Businesses expanded, new immigrants raced to the area, and the character of northeast Indiana rapidly changed with each new mode of transportation.
Be sure to visit our virtual exhibit page again in May to view the next installment of 200@200.
What is 200@200?
As Indiana embarked on its bicentennial anniversary and reflected on past challenges, successes, and opportunities, we too reflected on 200 years of our part of Indiana. How had Fort Wayne changed? What had we discovered? What would we take with us into the next century?
The 200@200 project was a celebration of Fort Wayne's legacy of progress throughout Indiana's 200 years of history. Using artifacts from the museum's collection of 28,000 objects, the History Center told 200 unique stories of Fort Wayne's role in the 200 years of Indiana's statehood throughout the 2016 bicentennial year. Each month highlighted a different historical theme and presented a collective mosaic of the community's shared past and present, commemorating the progress, growth, and creativity of the "Summit City." Each month's theme was featured in a virtual exhibit and in person at the History Center.
The History Center was honored to share that 200@200 had been endorsed by the Indiana Bicentennial Commission as an official Legacy Project. WANE served as the project's media sponsor.
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