Fort Wayne Old City Hall Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fort Wayne City Hall
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Though once functioning as Fort Wayne's City Hall, the building now houses The History Center
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 Location in Indiana
Location in the United States
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| Location | 302 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1893 |
| Architect | Wing & Mahurin |
| Architectural style | Richardsonian Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000027 |
| Added to NRHP | June 4, 1973 |
The Fort Wayne Old City Hall Building in downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana is now a cool museum called The History Center. It has been the main office for the Allen County–Fort Wayne Historical Society since 1980. This amazing building was designed by architects Wing & Mahurin and finished in 1893. It's built in a style called Richardsonian Romanesque, which uses lots of heavy stone and round arches.
For many years, this building was the actual city hall for Fort Wayne. This means it was where the city's leaders worked and made important decisions. In 1971, the city government moved to a new building. Because of its history and unique design, the Old City Hall Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This list helps protect important historical sites across the country.
Today, The History Center has collected over 32,000 items! Many of these are on display, showing the history of the Fort Wayne area. You can see things from the Ice Age (that's a really long time ago!) all the way up to today. The Historical Society also owns two other important historical spots: the Chief Jean Baptiste de Richardville House and the Historic Barr Street Market.
Contents
Explore History: Main Exhibits
The History Center has several exciting exhibits that tell the story of Fort Wayne and the surrounding area.
Shaping the Confluence: How Fort Wayne Began
This exhibit explores how the city of Fort Wayne started and grew. The "confluence" refers to where three rivers meet, which was a very important spot for the city's development.
Earliest Inhabitants: Life Long Ago
In this part of the exhibit, you can see tools and weapons used by the very first people who lived here. There's even a broken rib bone and a huge tooth from a mastodon, which was a giant, elephant-like animal that lived during the Ice Age!
Miami Indian History: Local Native Americans
Learn about the Miami Indians, who were the original inhabitants of this land. You'll see pictures of important Miami chiefs like Pacanne, Little Turtle, and Jean Baptiste de Richardville. There are also displays about Kekionga, which was the main village of the Miami people. A special item on display is a sword given to Chief Little Turtle by President George Washington himself! You can also see a model of what a typical Miami village looked like in the 1700s.
Anthony Wayne: Founding Fort Wayne
This section tells the story of how Fort Wayne got its name. It focuses on General "Mad" Anthony Wayne, who ordered a fort to be built at the meeting point of the three rivers on October 22, 1794. This fort was the beginning of the city we know today.
An Emerging City: Growth and Canals
Discover how Fort Wayne grew into a busy city in the 1800s. A big reason for this growth was the Wabash and Erie Canal. This exhibit includes a model of the canal and even some parts of it. The canal helped Fort Wayne become a "boom-town," meaning it grew very quickly and became very successful.
Industry & Transportation: Moving Goods and People
This exhibit shows how Fort Wayne became a center for making things and for transportation. You can see a recreated blacksmith shop and a foundry (where metal is melted and shaped). It also talks about Fort Wayne's long connection with railroads, which were vital for moving goods and people across the country.
Innovation & Technology: Fort Wayne's Bright Ideas
Opened in 2012, this modern gallery highlights many cool products and inventions that were created right here in Fort Wayne and Allen County. It shows how local inventors and businesses have contributed to technology over the years.
Old City Jail: A Look at the Past
This part of the Old City Hall building used to house the Police Department. It had offices and a garage for police vehicles. Most interestingly, it also contained the City Jail and the booking area. This small jail was used from 1893 to 1971, mainly as a temporary place for people to stay while they waited for their court appearance.
