Near West Lafayette in Tippecanoe County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Fort Ouiatenon

Photographed by Trevor L Whited, April 28, 2024

1. Fort Ouiatenon Marker

Inscription. First post in Indiana area built nearby in 1717 by French Canada to counter British expansion in valleys of Wabash and Ohio rivers. Served as trade and communication post. French surrendered fort to British in 1761 during the French and Indian War. Fort was occupied by Native Americans after 1763 and destroyed by American soldiers 1791.

Erected 1998 by Indiana Historical Bureau and The Society of Colonial Wars. (Marker Number 79.1998.2.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Military • Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the Indian Wars Battlefield Trails, the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers, and the The Spirit of ’76, America’s Bicentennial Celebration series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1717.

Location. 40° 24.387′ N, 86° 57.797′ W. Marker is near West Lafayette, Indiana, in Tippecanoe County. It can be reached from South River Road west of South Newman Road (County Road 300). It is located near the Blockhouse in Fort Ouiatenon Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3129 S River Rd, West Lafayette IN 47906, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured

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as the crow flies: Site of the Birth Place of Rev. Anthony Foucher (within shouting distance of this marker); Liberty Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); Post Ouiatenon Site (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Universal Soil Loss Equation (approx. 2½ miles away); The Purdue Flagpole (approx. 2.9 miles away); The Wea Plains (approx. 3.3 miles away); Main Street Bridge (approx. 3½ miles away); John T. Myers (approx. 3.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Lafayette.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Scott's Expedition (was approx. 3.4 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Christopher Light, October 7, 2002

2. Fort Ouiatenon Marker

Pronouced 'We-a-ta-non'. The French spelling is similar to 'Oui' or yes in French, or the old French spelling of 'Ouisconsin' or Wisconsin in English.

Fort Ouiatenon Marker near Blockhouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane Hall, July 7, 2012

3. Fort Ouiatenon Marker near Blockhouse

Marker is surrounded by the flags to the right of the Blockhouse. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Christopher Light, October 7, 2002

4. Marker is surrounded by the flags to the right of the Blockhouse.

Feast of the Hunters Moon (Each October) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Christopher Light, October 7, 2002

5. Feast of the Hunters Moon (Each October)

Feast of the Hunters Moon image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Christopher Light, October 7, 2002

6. Feast of the Hunters Moon

Each October, the grounds of Fort Ouiatanon drift back in time and comes alive with the sights and sounds of 1760's and the French and Indian War.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 14, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2007, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. This page has been viewed 3,735 times since then and 58 times this year. Last updated on October 3, 2025, by Linda Ann Swihart of West Lafayette, Indiana. Photos: 1. submitted on April 28, 2024, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. 2. submitted on September 10, 2007, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. 3. submitted on November 25, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 10, 2007, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.