<P> In the late 1830s, small, short - lived rebellions occurred in Canada to protest corruption amongst its colonial government . Many Americans believed there was widespread Canadian support for these rebellions and formed volunteer militias to overthrow Canada's colonial government . This led to a series of militia attacks on Canada known as the Patriot War . American troops were mustered to suppress the American volunteers and maintain America's official neutrality in the conflict . However, at the same time, the United States government realized there was a lack of fortifications along the northern border to repel a potential British attack, and in particular, no counterpart to the British Fort Malden located in Amherstburg . In 1841, Congress appropriated funds to build a chain of forts stretching from the east coast to the Minnesota Territory, including one at Detroit . </P> <P> Soon afterward, the Army sent Lieutenant Montgomery C. Meigs to Detroit . Meigs bought up riverfront farm property three miles below Detroit, in Springwells Township, at the point on the Detroit River closest to Canada . Construction on the fort began in 1842, with Meigs superintending . The original fortifications were cedar - reveted earthen walls . The fort was completed in 1851, costing $150,000 . The Army named the new fort for Revolutionary War hero General "Mad" Anthony Wayne, who had taken possession of Detroit from the British in 1796 . </P> <P> The original fort is star - patterned, with walls of earthen ramparts faced with cedar, covering vaulted brick tunnels that contain artillery ports . The design was based on fortifications developed by Sebastian Vauban, a 17th - century French military engineer, and modified by Dennis Hart Mahan . Artillery emplacements are atop the walls, designed for 10 - inch (250 mm) cannons mounted to fire over the parapet, although there is no indication that artillery intended for the fort was ever installed . There is a dry moat surrounding the fort, and a demilune facing the river . </P> <P> Although the star fort today is substantially similar to the original construction, some changes have been made . Starting in 1863, under the supervision of Thomas J. Cram, the walls of the fort were reconstructed, replacing the original cedar facing with brick and concrete . In addition, the entranceway to the fort has been altered . The original entrance to the fort was a small sally port in the southeast bastion . In 1938, an arched entrance was constructed through the fort's walls to accommodate vehicular traffic; later, the arches were removed to fit larger trucks . </P>

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