Fort Americana is one of seven theme parks developed by Walker Entertainment Corporation. First conceptualized in the late 1930s, Fort Americana was designed to capitalize on the heightened nationalism present in the United States following the end of the Second World War, and features The Stars and Stripes as a core aspect of its theming. Though initially controversial, Fort Americana has become the most popular area within Walker Park, continuing to draw in tens of thousands of tourists per day.
History
As international tensions were again on the rise in the 1930s, Oswald Walker, the head of Walker Studios, wanted to begin a project to help distract the nation from the looming threat of another world war. He envisioned a grandiose amusement park, one that hid the chaos of an uncertain future behind the wonder and spectacle of a child's imagination. Walker's business partner, Wesley Doyle, had other ideas in mind. A veteran of the First World War, Doyle saw first-hand the horrors mankind was capable of, and wanted to present it in full view for all to see, a stark reminder of what the world might be once more barreling towards.
Their compromise was Fort Americana, a replica of a Civil War-era fort with displays and attractions developed to honor and commemorate the soldiers who gave their lives fighting for the safety and freedoms of all Americans. As part of the compromise, Wesley Doyle became the head of the newly founded Walker Entertainment Corporation to ensure his vision would be properly depicted in the planned park.
Unfortunately for Doyle, by the time work could begin on Fort Americana, the United States and already entered and subsequently ended the Second World War, and the American people were fired up with patriotism and nationalism. Instead of Doyle's muted and reverent plans for Fort Americana, the rest of Walker Entertainment's leadership approved a grandiose display of American exceptionalism. The park would still utilize the Civil War-era fort concept, modelling the park's structure after Fort Independence in Massachusetts, though the respectful tributes to American soldiers were replaced with fantastical depictions of American bravery at war. Furious at the ahistorical depictions, Wesley Doyle left Walker Entertainment to return to Walker Studios.
Layout
The layout of Fort Americana was modelled after Fort Independence in Boston, Massachusetts, with each wing of the pentagonal building meant to depict the United States' involvement with a different conflict. Each wing features actors in costumes depicting the era's military uniforms alongside activities including weapons demonstrations and interactive performances. The park also features a number of vaguely war-themed roller coasters, though a number have been placed under permanent "maintenance" due to public backlash.
