Image above: Structure known as Alexander's Castle at Fort Worden, 2020, Benjamin Casey. Courtesy Wikipedia Commons C.C. 3.0.
Spotlight on Lesser Known History
Forts Protecting Puget Sound
Washington
America's Best History Spotlight
On this page we're going to Spotlight the lesser known historic sites and attractions that dot the history landscape across the USA and are worth a visit if you're in their area. And while they may be lesser known, some are very unique, and will be that rare find. You'll be, at times, on the ground floor, or maybe even know something others don't. It'll be fun. Visit them.
Forts Protecting Puget Sound, Washington
There were three forts built to protect Puget Sound in Washington State from invaders, perhaps due to the Pig War of the San Juan Islands, although we don't know that to be true, or as part of a strategy of protection that ran down the Pacific Coast to places like the Columbia River in Oregon. Fort Worden, Fort Flagler, and Fort Casey would be a triuvarate of fortifications protecting Port Townsend on the lower peninsula, as well the peninsula that includes Whidbey Island as well as today's Ebey Landing National Historic Preserve, of which Fort Casey is a part. And while we were joking about the Pig War's part in the push for these forts, Fort Worden was built due to the possibility of a British fort being built on Vancouver Island. All three of these forts are now Washington State Parks.
Photo above: Panoramic view of Fort Casey and Admiralty Head Lighthouse from across the water, 2011, Compdude123. Courtesy Wikipedia Commons C.C. 3.0.
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Info, What's There Now, History Nearby
Forts Protecting Puget Sound, Washington
The forts were built in the 1890's around what was named Admiralty's Inlet, with Fort Worden on a bluff above Port Townsend protecting the Quimper Peninsula, the Olympic Peninsula, and with the location of Fort Casey in Coupeville and Fort Flagler on Marrostone Island. They were designed to provide a Triangle of Fire to any approaching enemy who might attack the Puget Sounds Naval Station, Seattle, Tacoma, or Everett. None ever fired a shot.
Image above: Photo from a postcard of Port Townsend, 1912, Tonka's Studio. Courtesy Library of Congress. Below: Photo of buildings at Fort Morden State Historic Park, 1993, Joe Mabel. Courtesy Wikipedia Commons C.C. 3.0.
Where Is It
One of the three forts are on Whidbey Island with one in Port Townsend on the Quimper Peninsula and the other on Marrowstone Island. The address for Fort Worden is 200 Battery Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Fort Flagler is located at 10541 Flagler Road, Nordland, WA 98358. Fort Casey is located at 1280 Engle Road, Coupeville, WA 98239.
What is There Now
Forts Protecting Puget Sound
Fort Worden is now a multi-use park, with many historic buildings, museums, and gun batteries. It now hosts concerts, campers, and day-use beachcombers. Food can be bought at the Cable House Canteen. There are ranger guided tours and twelve miles of hiking trails that you can explore.
Fort Flagler has a plethora of historic buildings, from barracks to hospitals. There are gun batteries and views on three sides of Puget Sound, the Cascade Mountains, and the Olympic Mountains. There are beaches and forests plus campsites at this Marrowsthone island site. There is a cafe called the Beachcomber, which also includes a small store for supplies. The Flagler Museum contains exhibits about the fort and there are ranger guided tours. And for those that want to be near or in the water, there are kayak tours.
Fort Casey includes an interpretive center and the 1903 Admiralty Head lighthouse, which includes a gift shop. There are 48 picnic tables, campsites, a beach, and more. There is also a 1.8 mile walking trail that also accesses the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail.
When Open and How Much
All three parks are open daily from 8 a.m. till dusk, some earlier. Day rates are $10 and camping rates range from $12 to $50. Other fees apply for boating and additional amenities.
Fees and hours are subject to change.
Websites
Fort Worden State Park
Fort Flagler State Park
Fort Casey State Park
History Nearby
Spectacular National Parks such as Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park are somewhat around the corner, but if you are in the area, they are can't miss. As you go down coastal Washington into Oregon, more awaits, from the small to large historic sites, including the Harbor Defenses of the Columbia River. There, during World War II, they were attacked, once, by Japan. So, despite those of Admiralty Head, there definitely was a need.
Photos, History, and More Spotlights
Fort Worden
Fort Worden was completed between 1898 and 1902 and was the largest Endicott Period fort ever built. It was utilized by the Army from 1902 to 1953 mostly for training purposes, then as a juvenile detention center after it closed. It became a State Historical Park in 1973.
One building predates the construction of Fort Worden as a military installation. Alexander's Castle (top of page) was the residence of Reverend John Barrow Alexander from 1883 until 1897. He was the rector in Port Townsend of the St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
Photo above: Aging Fort Worden Balloon Hanger, date unknown, Historic American Buildings Survey. Courtesy Library of Congress.
Fort Flagler
Fort Flagler was the southern most fort in the Triagle of Fire defense. Located on Marrowsthone Island, it was built in 1897 and activated in 1899. The fort was closed in 1953. Now as a state park, it has preserved 1,451 acres of history, including the parade ground, and areas of recreation.
Image above: Gun placement at Fort Flagler State Park, 2020, DKRKaynor. Courtesy Wikipedia Commons C.C. 4.0.
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Fort Casey
The fort was built starting 1897, with disappearing guns, and in 1903 the Admiralty Head Lighthouse was added. Unfortunately the invention of the airplane made the batteries obsolete by the time they were completed. By World War I, the guns and mortars were removed and put on railcars for use elsewhere. Some were returned after the war, but gone as new munitions by World War II made them obsolete as well. Today 999 acres are preserved to tell its military and lighthouse history. The views from the fort are spectacular.
Photo above: Disappearing gun at Fort Casey Historical State Park, 2005, Jonathan Zander. Courtesy Wikipedia Commons C.C. 3.0.
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