The History of the Fort Wayne Rivers

The rivers of Fort Wayne, Indiana—St. Joseph, St. Marys, and Maumee—have a rich history spanning centuries. Originally sustaining the indigenous Miami and Potawatomi tribes, these waterways later became key trade routes for European settlers in the 18th century. They facilitated Fort Wayne's growth as a strategic frontier outpost and witnessed industrial development, bridge construction, and urban transformation. The rivers remain a testament to the city’s dynamic past and its connection to nature.