FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — The Old Fort may not be in the original location or have the exact original look, but it represents the namesake of the city. Maj. John Whistler and his men constructed the original fort during 1815-1816, and on July 4, 1976, the History Center opened a recreation. They continued operating the Fort until 1987 and again assumed control until 1993. Smith showing his new development plan. But just after the turn of the millennium the Fort was in trouble. According to WANE 15's reporting in 2004, one city councilman was looking at developing the lot. "I think if they're wise they'll look to build a new Fort elsewhere," then city councilman Tom Smith said about the Parks and Recreation Department. "I think they'll be able to raise far more money and be able to have a Save The Fort Campaign." Instead, Historic Fort Wayne was founded, and the money needed to keep the Fort on the river just north of downtown was raised. You can see the full story from 2004 below.