Lincoln Financial Foundation donates cannon to Old Fort
“The addition of this fine Civil War era artillery piece allows Historic Fort Wayne the opportunity to display and demonstrate over 100 years of military ordinance, spanning from the French & Indian War through the Civil War,” said Moll.
While the original cannon had a wooden carriage, Lincoln Foundation provided the funds to trade out the carriage for a metal one that would have a longer lifetime in the elements of the weather.
“Lincoln is pleased that the cannon has a new home at the Old Fort and will be enjoyed by many visitors,” said Sandi Kemmish, Director of Lincoln Financial Foundation.
Following the news conference, Civil War re-enactors kicked off Camp Allen Muster 1860 ' 1865, a Three Rivers Festival event. Volunteers demonstrated what life was like during the Civil War, which included soldiers completing their drills, cooks preparing the type of food they ate during that time period, and displaying children's games and toys common in that era.
There were three American forts built in Fort Wayne during its early years. The current fort is a replica of the one constructed by Major John Whistler and his men during 1815'1816 and was the last fort to stand at the junction of the St. Mary's, St. Joseph and Maumee Rivers. It was designed purely for defense against Native Americans and could be comfortably defended by a relatively small number of men.
Historic Fort Wayne, Inc. is dedicated to creating a permanent endowment for the Old Fort, maintaining routine upkeep, and developing a historically-based education program. With private and corporate investors, as well as local volunteers, Historic Fort Wayne, Inc. believes that this endeavor will play an integral role in the revitalization of downtown Fort Wayne.
July is National Parks and Recreation month.