About Fort Wayne, IN
Fort Wayne is a city in northeastern Indiana, United States and the county seat of Allen County. As of July 1, 2008, the city had an estimated population of 251,247, making it the 71st largest city in the United States. Fort Wayne is Indiana's second largest city after Indianapolis. Fort Wayne lies on fairly flat land, with the exception of few hills and depressions throughout the region. Marshes and wetlands are prevalent in portions of southwest Fort Wayne and Allen County, as well as some quarries. West of the city lies the Tipton Till Plain while land east of the plain is the former Black Swamp. The St. Marys River cuts through the southeast section of Allen County, flowing northward, while the St. Joseph River cuts through the northeast section of the county, flowing southward. United States Army general and American Revolutionary War statesman General "Mad" Anthony Wayne is the namesake of Fort Wayne. Fort Wayne prospered under the construction of the Wabash and Erie Canal, earning Fort Wayne's nickname, The Summit City, due to the city's placing at the zenith of the locks on the canal. On February 22, 1840, the Town of Fort Wayne incorporated as the City of Fort Wayne. In recent history, the focus of citizens has been the concern of bolstering business and beautification in the core of Fort Wayne. Within the last decade, the city has improved in this venture, with the renovations and expansions of the Main Library Branch and Grand Wayne Convention Center, along with the addition of Headwaters Park. Fort Wayne's modern local economy is primarily based on manufacturing, insurance, and healthcare, but the metro area is also a contributor to the nation's agricultural sector. Fort Wayne is home of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW), with an enrollment of 11,943, it is the fifth-largest public university campus in Indiana. The city is located about 100 miles north of Richmond, IN, with a driving time of two hours.