Yes, the shoreline of Presque Isle Bay nearly reached the Wayne Blockhouse as is apparent in this 1880 photo! Garrison Hill, which is slightly to the east of this photo, was a natural location for troops to build forts when Erie was being settled because it offered natural protection on the north by water, and also allowed sentries to see approaching vessels.
Today in 2022 the Bayfront Parkway, various industries and a waste water treatment facility are all located behind the blockhouse! How did that happen? Progress. That’s how. At some point between 1880 and 1985 the area north of the blockhouse was filled in.
NOTE: This photo is 1/2 of a stereoscopic view which was heavily edited. It was originally posted at eriehistory.org
This is what the Wayne Blockhouse looked like in 1880 when it was constructed and dedicated in honor of General Anthony Wayne, who died near this site in 1796 from gout. The bay shoreline nearly reached the blockhouse at that point.This is what the Wayne Blockhouse looked like in 1985. The bayfront shoreline is much further north than it was in 1880. A building is visible in the lower left of the picture.Author Christine Lorraine Morgan smiles because she is inside of the Wayne Blockhouse in 1985 and she’s thrilled about that. Photo by Roger Prehoda
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