  Usnsubvet77 Member Username: Usnsubvet77 Post Number: 51 Registered: 07-2007 |
These are fantastic historical finds at Fort Wayne! The Three River’s Council of Boy Scouts were at the Fort last weekend. They were assisting with an Eagle Scout project to expose what was thought to be a limestone path to the flagpole. During this excavation, they unexpectedly uncovered the construction road used to transport the cut limestone blocks from the river docks. The limestone bordering the road still shows indication of the hand cutting. This great find bears HUGE historical significance. The road pre-dates the Fort barracks and was unrecorded on any engineering documentation. The road is approximately from 1843-1848 during the construction of the Powder Magazine and enlisted barracks. Partially unearthed was the Mortar Mill foundation. It was used to crush the limestone and make the mortar for the barracks and Powder Magazine. Lastly, a stone from the breastworks (wall) was located that had been rumored for some time. It was never thought to look on the side of the stone that was on the ground. It bears the cut inscriptions of two Italian POW’s who were detained at Fort Wayne during World War II. The stone has been removed and is being temporarily stored in an enclosed area. A rubbing has been lifted from the stone. Only one remaining Italian POW is alive from Fort Wayne, who now resides in the Detroit area. Members of the Detroit Historical Society staff are currently interviewing him. Ironically, years back, they were looking for the same stone, but no one at that time was quite sure where it was. Now we do! VERY COOL STUFF!••• Check out the photos! Historic Fort Wayne Coalition Projects Committee – Secretary www.historicfortwaynecoalition.com    | ||
Mdoyle Member Username: Mdoyle Post Number: 226 Registered: 10-2006 |
are the statues and bell from old city hall still sitting out in the woods? | ||
Usnsubvet77 Member Username: Usnsubvet77 Post Number: 53 Registered: 07-2007 |
MDoyle The city hall bell is on a platform near the Visitor’s center. Is it in the most optimum place? Probably not. Unfortunately, there is little the Coalition can do with Detroit Historical Society property, even if we would like to. I have walked the entire property and it would be safe to say that the statues are no longer in the woods. Unless I missed them. Where about did you see them, if you can describe the area. | ||
Corktown_paddy Member Username: Corktown_paddy Post Number: 24 Registered: 12-2006 |
There's a lot more to be discovered there. No doubt about it. | ||
Krawlspace Member Username: Krawlspace Post Number: 326 Registered: 04-2004 |
The statues were "moved" and "stored in a safe place" according to Mr. Brody in October of 2004. There were fresh scrape marks on the asphalt of the drive next to the hill where they used to be, in the area to the north east of the old fort, along the property line. The cornerstones, and other remnants were still there then, although I am not sure if they are still. Here's some shots of what was left...      | ||
Mrsjdaniels Member Username: Mrsjdaniels Post Number: 275 Registered: 08-2005 |
wow very neat! I used to work here and loved driving my golf cart around in the summer! |
