Local
[This article is part of The Highline Journal’s America at 250: Northwest Stories.]
Fort Worden State Historical Park, in Port Townsend, Washington, is the site of a historic coastal military base built to protect the Puget Sound coastline from invasion by sea. It is located on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula at the entrance of the Puget Sound. This land was chosen for its strategic position on a high bluff with a 270 degree view, where soldiers could track vessels all the way up the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up to the Vancouver Islands.
The concrete military structures built there were huge and contained massive gun batteries and bunkers, along with officers’ accommodations. Although Fort Worden was never attacked, it played a vital role in training soldiers and in deterring enemy invasion. Today, this scenic 430-acre park is one of Washington’s most visited state parks and holds lots of attractions for visitors of all ages.
Fort Worden was built during the years of 1897-1917 and named after Admiral John Worden, Commander of Battleship USS Monitor during the Civil War. After the Civil War, in the mid 1800’s, there was great advancement in military and naval technology. Military conquests during that period happened primarily through attacks from the sea.
President Grover Cleveland realized that it was critical to protect the coastlines of the United States of America. Therefore, in 1885, he ordered an exploration of seacoasts for the tactical purpose of building military fortifications. The mission became even more urgent once the Bremerton Naval Shipyards were built. The final catalyst, which sped up the process, was the sinking of the USS Maine in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. Although it took place in Cuba, America could not risk further attacks on its ships or seaports.
Fort Worden eventually became part of the Triangle of Fire, which included Fort Flagler and Fort Casey. All three were part of the Puget Sound Harbor Defense and were built to protect Bremerton’s Naval Shipyards and large seaport cities, like Seattle and Tacoma. Now the three former military forts are peaceful parks, and Fort Worden is the best preserved of the three.
Once the military artillery guns and bunkers were established at Fort Worden, the base was primarily used for training soldiers during WWI before they were sent overseas to Europe. The fort became even more critical in 1941-45 during WWII after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the Americans entered the war.
Fort Worden was an active base until 1953; then in 1973, it was made into a public 430 -acre park and later a national historic district. Visitors today can walk and hike trails to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, along with beautiful beaches.
Fort Worden State Historical Park is a fun weekend destination, but it is close enough for a day trip. The Fort is about a 2-hour drive from Seattle to Port Townsend via Gig Harbor. Some people may choose to take the ferry to Bainbridge Island and continue driving to Port Townsend.
For history enthusiasts, Fort Worden holds so much to learn and see. The public is able to walk through and explore several of the original concrete bunkers. People are advised to take a flashlight and take care as they explore these structures. The bunkers are dark inside, even in the daytime. It’s an adventure through mazes and tunnels, and you can see the sites of the old gun placements. There are four museums in the park to help people further imagine what life was like for the soldiers and officers who were stationed at Fort Worden.
Other highlights are Point Wilson Lighthouse and Alexander Castle. The unique Scottish castle, built in 1886, is the oldest building in the park. Officers’ quarters in Victorian-style architecture also remain. The movie “Officer and a Gentleman” was filmed here in 1982.
More information: Fort Worden State Historical Park
We invite readers to be part of this series!
America at 250: Northwest Stories
Have you visited a Pacific Northwest site that deepened your understanding of our nation’s past? Do you have a personal story connected to a local landmark? Do you have recommendations?
As we approach America’s 250th birthday, we hope to tell the story of our country through the voices of our community — one place at a time.
Send your story to idea to us at info@TheHighlineJournal.com
Members Discussion
Highline Journal Comment Guidelines
We believe thoughtful conversation helps communities flourish. We welcome respectful, on-topic comments that engage ideas, not individuals. Personal attacks, harassment, hateful comments, directed profanity, false claims, spam, or sharing private information aren't allowed. Comments aren't edited and may be removed if they violate these guidelines.