War runs through the fabric of not only our nation's history, but our local history as well. Established as a fort by General Anthony Wayne in October 1794 to secure this strategic location near important transportation routes and the nearby Miami village of Kekionga, Fort Wayne has had a military aspect since the very beginning. After the cessation of major military engagements after the War of 1812, statehood soon followed within the lands that would become the state of Indiana in 1816. Since that time, Hoosiers from the northeast corner of the state have continued to answer the call to maintain our national safety and security.
Throughout our history, war has influenced Allen County's growth and development. Often, the pivotal points of history converge on these defining moments: loss and victory. From sending soldiers to participate in every major conflict in our nation's history to home front activities such as war fund drives and production of war supplies and materiel, contributions from our citizens are found throughout the national military narrative.
Be sure to visit our virtual exhibit page again in December to view the last 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.
