In 1794, the British built Fort Miamis on this site to block Gen. Anthony Wayne's expected march on Detroit. Its strategic location commanded both the land and water routes in the Maumee Valley. Constructed after the manner of the noted French military engineer Sebastien Vauban, the post was essentially an earthwork of ditches and embankments, reinforced by log stockades and buildings. It appeared so impregnable that, after routing the Indians at Fallen Timbers on Aug. 20, 1794, Gen. Wayne did not attempt to take the garrison. By a provision of the Jay Treaty, Fort Miamis was surrendered to the United States in 1796. During the War of 1812, the site was reoccupied by the British under Gen. Procter and the Indians under Tecumseh when they unsuccessfully besieged Gen. Harrison at Fort Meigs.
