Ouiatenon, French colonial fort in Tippecanoe County, United States.
Fort Ouiatenon is a reconstructed French colonial settlement on the Wabash River featuring a blockhouse museum and open grounds. The site preserves structures and spaces that show what life was like at this early trading post.
The settlement was founded in 1717 as Indiana's first European outpost and served as a French military and trading post. It was abandoned in 1791 when French control of the region came to an end.
The name derives from a Miami chief and remains alive through festivals where visitors watch craftspeople demonstrate techniques and daily life from the French colonial period. These gatherings show how people traded, worked, and lived together at this river crossing.
The site is freely accessible during daylight hours and sits on the river with pathways to the water and various viewing spots. Two covered picnic areas are available, with advance notice recommended for larger groups.
The site received National Historic Landmark status in 2021, placing it among a select group of fewer than 50 such sites statewide. This official recognition honors its role as the region's earliest European settlement.
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