Fort Wayne city (1990 pop. 173,072), seat of Allen co., NE Ind., where the St. Joseph and St. Marys rivers join to form the Maumee River; inc. 1840. It is the second largest city in the state, a major railroad and shipping point, a wholesale and distribution hub, and a manufacturing center, with large high-technology electronics and automotive industries.

The Kekionga had their chief town at this strategic water intersection before the French founded (c.1680) a trading post there. In 1697 a French fort was built; it remained under French control until 1760, when it was surrendered to the British. The fort was held briefly by Native Americans during Pontiac's Rebellion . Later, they were subdued by Anthony Wayne , who built (1794) the fort named for him. The fur-trading center began to grow after the War of 1812. Industrialization was spurred by the development of the Wabash and Erie Canal and the coming of the railroad (both in the mid-1800s).

The city is the seat of the Univ. of St. Francis, the Indiana Institute of Technology, Indiana Univ.-Purdue Univ. Fort Wayne, and a Roman Catholic seminary. The city has a philharmonic orchestra and numerous museums, including one devoted exclusively to Lincoln memorabilia. Also of interest are The Landing, the restored main street of the city's original frontier settlement; the sunken gardens at Lakeside Park; and the burial place of Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman ).

Fort Wayne City in ne Indiana, USA, at the confluence of the St Joseph and St Mary rivers. It was captured by the British during the French and Indian War (1755–63) and held by Native Americans (1763) during Pontiac's Rebellion. Development was spurred in the 1850s by the Wabash and Erie canals and the railroad. Industries: heavy vehicles, copper wire, stainless steel, mining machinery, pumps. Pop. (2000) 205,727.

Fort Wayne

The City in Brief

Founded: 1794 (incorporated, 1829)

Head Official: Mayor Graham Richard (D) (since 2000)

City Population

1980: 172,196

1990: 195,680

2000: 205,727

2003 estimate: 219,495

Percent change, 1990–2000: 1.3%

U.S. rank in 1980: 80th

U.S. rank in 1990: 99th

U.S. rank in 2000: 97th

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 354,000

1990: 456,281

2000: 502,141

Percent change, 1990–2000: 10.1%

U.S. rank in 1980: 93rd

U.S. rank in 1990: Not reported

U.S. rank in 2000: 81st

Area: 78.95 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 790 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 49.7° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 34.40 inches

Major Economic Sectors: Trade, manufacturing, services

Unemployment Rate: 6.2% (February 2005)

Per Capita Income: $18,517 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 12,152

Major Colleges and Universities: Indiana-Purdue University at Fort Wayne; Ivy Tech; Indiana Institute of Technology

Daily Newspaper: The Journal-Gazette; The News-Sentinel