French Forts in Indiana

By Allie Reisman and Sydney Meyer

Definition of a French Fort

Originally was a fortified building or place that provided defense against attack.

Fort VincennesFort Vincennes was built along the

Wabash River. It was built in 1702! The fort was built by the French. Fort Vincennes was renamed to Fort Sackville in Vincennes, Indiana. It is the oldest city in Indiana.

Fort Vincennes

Fort Wayne in modern Fort Wayne, Indiana was established by Captain Jean Francois Hamtrack under the orders from General “MAD” Anthony Wayne as part of the campaign against the Indians at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. Wayne may have chosen his name himself- the fort was dedicated the day after he left. The fort was officially occupied by the army on October 21st 1794. The fort was a basic stockade with few buildings, and was located near the present intersection of Berry and Clay Streets.

Fort Wayne

Fort Ouiatenon

Fort Ouiatenon was established in 1717. It was built by the French. At Fort Ouiatenon the prosperity grew between 1720-1760 because people came, and they started to trade goods. The citizens of the fort were called the Wea people. The fort was built to protect against Great Britain’s western expansion. (wee-won-i-ton)

A map of Fort Ouiatenon

Forts

Did you know… forts were used to help defend against attack?

Blockhouse

Did you know… in blockhouses they had tiny holes to shoot through?

Stockades

Did you know… they had stockades around their forts? Stockades were fences around the forts to protect them.