West Central in Fort Wayne in Allen County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Columbia Street
Photographed By Craig Doda, May 1, 2022
1. Columbia Street Marker
Here was the terminal for passengers and freight arriving and departing via stagecoach and canal. Ground broken for Wabash and Erie canal 1832.
Dedicated 1843. Canal right-of-way sold 1880 and now occupied by elevated railroad. Rear of buildings on North side faced the canal and docks. Two canal basins located on street, "Orbisin Basin” at Harrison St. "Comparet Basin” at Lafayette St.
Government land sale occurred 1823 in Washington Hall (Ewing Tavern) at Barr St. From this sale came the original plot of Ft. Wayne. Here Allen County and Wayne Township organized 1824. Also meeting place of county commissioners and circuit court.
Many Fort Wayne firsts appeared on this street: Post Office 1820, Hotel 1823, Newspaper 1833, Theater 1851, Railway Station 1853.
Erected in honor of Roy Bates, Allen County Historian, 1965
Erected 1965 by Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Wabash & Erie Canal series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1832.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Wayne Historic District (a few steps from this marker); The Transfer Corner (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Allen County Courthouse (about 400 feet away); The Canal House (about 400 feet away); The Bicentennial Heritage Trail (about 700 feet away); Major General Anthony Wayne (about 700 feet away); Journal Gazette Building (about 700 feet away); The Lincoln Tower (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Wayne.
Photographed By Craig Doda, May 1, 2022
2. Columbia Street Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, May 1, 2022
3. Columbia Street Marker
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 23, 2023
4. Columbia Street Marker
Elevated railroad mentioned on marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 3, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 221 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 3, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 4. submitted on August 22, 2023, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
