Wayne Blockhouse - Image 1
1 / 3

Wayne Blockhouse

4.5
·13 reviews·Erie, United States

A reconstructed memorial to General 'Mad' Anthony Wayne, holding a unique and macabre historical tale.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime, weekdays

Easier access via security

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Wayne Blockhouse - Image 1

Wayne Blockhouse

Best Time

Daytime, weekdays

Easier access via security

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A reconstructed memorial to General 'Mad' Anthony Wayne, holding a unique and macabre historical tale.

4.5
(13 reviews)

"Interesting place to visit, but I do wish there was some signage explaining what you're looking at."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check in with Security

You'll need to visit the guards at the Soldiers and Sailors Home for access. :shield:

Brief Visit Recommended

Expect a quick 5-minute stop to see the blockhouse and surrounding area. :stopwatch:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wayne Blockhouse Replica

Wayne Blockhouse Replica

Soldiers and Sailors Home, Erie, PA

A reconstructed 1876 replica of the original fort, memorializing General Wayne and a site of historical intrigue.

Veterans Cemetery Walk

Veterans Cemetery Walk

Soldiers and Sailors Home, Erie, PA

A quiet and interesting walk through the veterans cemetery adjacent to the blockhouse, offering a peaceful reflection.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Accessing the Blockhouse

The Wayne Blockhouse is located within the grounds of the Soldiers and Sailors Home in Erie. Visitors typically need to check in with security to gain access and receive directions or a key. Plan for a brief visit, as it's a quick stop.

Historical Significance

This reconstructed blockhouse is a memorial to General 'Mad' Anthony Wayne and holds a unique, albeit macabre, historical event. It's a site rich with local lore and a testament to early American history.

Best Times

When
Daytime, weekdays
Why
Easier access via security
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Did you know Pennsylvania has beaches? Presque Isle State Park offers 13 beaches and is known for having the best sunsets in PA! 🌅❤️ #pennsylvania #erie #eriepa #DidYouKnow #sunsets #bucketlisttravel
@cass_andthecity
151.8K likes • 2.4M views

Check in with Security

You'll need to visit the guards at the Soldiers and Sailors Home for access. :shield:

Brief Visit Recommended

Expect a quick 5-minute stop to see the blockhouse and surrounding area. :stopwatch:

Presque Isle State Park Erie’s top attraction and a National Natural Landmark, featuring seven miles of sandy beaches, hiking and biking trails, pontoon boat rides, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, and boating. Free entry and parking.@Visit Erie #presqueisle #presqueislestatepark #eriepa #pennsylvania #visitpa #pennsylvaniacheck
@travelwithsudipa
100.8K likes • 1.5M views
Hidden Treasures: 3 Minute Artifact Video Series This model of the #WayneBlockhouse was built in 1880 from wood from #OliverHazardPerry Flagship #Lawrence. #WhereHistoryInspires #EriePA #History #EriePaHistory
eriehistory
19 likes • 509 views

Historical Context

Learn about the unique story of General Wayne's remains and the replica's construction. :scroll:

#CapCut #eriepa #erie #erietok #presqueisle #waldameer #waldameerpark #fyp #foryou
@abbyrose.77
9.1K likes • 80.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check in with Security

You'll need to visit the guards at the Soldiers and Sailors Home for access. :shield:

Brief Visit Recommended

Expect a quick 5-minute stop to see the blockhouse and surrounding area. :stopwatch:

Historical Context

Learn about the unique story of General Wayne's remains and the replica's construction. :scroll:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(13 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Wayne Blockhouse an interesting historical stop, particularly for its unique story and the adjacent veterans cemetery. While the site itself is small and a quick visit, its historical significance and the peaceful atmosphere of the Soldiers and Sailors Home grounds are appreciated. Some wish for more explanatory signage.

"Very interesting side trip on the way home. We had no idea. Just found it. Visit the guards at the Soldiers and Sailors Home in Erie and they will give you the key and directions to the blockhouse. The Blockhouse replica houses the grave and quite a bit of information about the area and General Wayne."

Patricia Yoder

"Interesting place to visit, but I do wish there was some signage explaining what you're looking at. This is a 5 minute visit, nice to say you've been up there. A walk through the veterans cemetery is also interesting..."

Brian R

"Although there isn't much to see here, it is rich with history. Remember, this is where Dr. Wallace boiled the flesh away from Anthony Wayne's bones in a large cooking pot. His nephew came from Radnor, PA 12 years after Wayne's death to transport his uncle's remains home, but the body did not properly decompose. After the boiling procedure, the bones were placed in a small sulky to be transported through the wilderness to the small town near Philadelphia. His flesh and other remains were then re-buried beneath the blockhouse. This is an 1876 replica of the the original structure."

Christine Lorraine Morgan

What People Like

Unique historical story
Peaceful atmosphere
Adjacent cemetery

What People Dislike

Limited signage
Very brief visit

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Wayne Blockhouse is located on the grounds of the Soldiers and Sailors Home in Erie, Pennsylvania. You'll need to check in with the security guards there for directions and access to the site. Reddit

Parking is generally available at the Soldiers and Sailors Home. Visitors are advised to coordinate with security upon arrival for the best parking options. Reddit

Absolutely! The Wayne Blockhouse is a quick historical stop that can easily be incorporated into a day trip to Erie, especially if you're exploring Presque Isle State Park. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, tickets are not required. However, you must check in with security at the Soldiers and Sailors Home to gain access to the blockhouse. Reddit

Specific visiting hours are not always posted, but it's best to visit during daytime hours and coordinate with the security personnel at the Soldiers and Sailors Home for access. Reddit

There is no admission fee to visit the Wayne Blockhouse itself. Access is managed by the Soldiers and Sailors Home. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main attraction is the 1876 replica of the blockhouse, which houses information about General Wayne and a unique historical event. You can also take a walk through the adjacent veterans cemetery. Reddit+1

Most visitors find that a visit to the Wayne Blockhouse takes about 5 minutes. It's a brief but historically significant stop. Reddit

Some visitors have noted a wish for more signage. It's helpful to research the history beforehand or ask the security personnel for information. Reddit

The blockhouse is a memorial to General 'Mad' Anthony Wayne and is notable for the historical event involving the preservation of his remains. It's a piece of early American military history. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

History Buffs

For those fascinated by American military history, the Wayne Blockhouse offers a unique glimpse into the past. The story of General 'Mad' Anthony Wayne's remains and the subsequent burial is a peculiar but significant historical anecdote. Researching the details before your visit will greatly enhance your appreciation of this site. Reddit

Consider visiting the Hagen History Centre in Erie as well, where a model of the blockhouse made from historical materials can provide further context. Instagram

Quick Sightseers

If you're looking for a brief, historically interesting stop during your travels, the Wayne Blockhouse is perfect. It's a quick 5-minute visit that allows you to see a piece of local history without taking up much time. Reddit

Remember to coordinate with the security at the Soldiers and Sailors Home for access, making it a straightforward addition to your itinerary. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Macabre History of General Wayne

The Wayne Blockhouse is more than just a historical structure; it's tied to a rather unusual event involving the remains of General 'Mad' Anthony Wayne. After his death in 1796, his body did not decompose properly for transport. To solve this, his nephew, Dr. Wallace, allegedly boiled the flesh from Wayne's bones in a large cooking pot. The bones were then transported, while the flesh and other remains were re-buried beneath the original blockhouse site. Reddit

This replica, built in 1876, stands as a memorial to this complex historical figure and the unique circumstances surrounding his final journey. It's a story that often surprises visitors and adds a layer of intrigue to the site. The model of the blockhouse at the Hagen History Centre is even made from wood salvaged from Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's flagship, the USS Lawrence. Instagram

While the story is fascinating, some visitors note the lack of extensive signage at the site itself, making prior research or a conversation with knowledgeable staff beneficial for a full understanding. Reddit

Visiting the Soldiers and Sailors Home

The Wayne Blockhouse is situated on the grounds of the Soldiers and Sailors Home in Erie, Pennsylvania. This historic institution provides a serene and reflective atmosphere, making the visit to the blockhouse a peaceful experience. Reddit

Access to the blockhouse is managed by the security personnel at the home. Visitors are encouraged to check in with them upon arrival. They can provide directions, and sometimes a key, to access the blockhouse and the surrounding area. This security presence also contributes to the quiet and orderly nature of the site. Reddit

Beyond the blockhouse, a walk through the veterans cemetery on the grounds is also recommended by visitors. It offers a chance to appreciate the history and honor the service of those interred there, adding another dimension to your visit. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2