Fort Flagler (1897-1953)

The rain abated enough to take some pictures of Fort Flagler State Park today.  Due to its location on the northern tip of Marrowstone Island off of Puget Sound, this is a cold and windy area but it is steeped in military history. Fort Flager(1897-1953) was a coastal fort located on Marrowstone Point in Jefferson County, Washington.  The fort was established in 1897 and activated on 27 Jul 1899. It was named after Brig. Gen. Daniel Webster Flagler, Chief of Ordnance, U.S. Army, who died on 29 March 1899.  The fort was closed 7 Jun 1953.

One of the batteries with Puget Sound in the background.

Part of the Harbor Defense of Puget Sound. Fort Flagler, along with Fort Worden and Fort Casey, guarded the entrance to Puget Sound. These posts, established in the late 1890's, became the first line of a fortification system designed to prevent a hostile fleet from reaching the Bremerton Naval Yard and the cities of Seattle, Tacoma and Everett.

Initial construction of barracks and support facilities (12 buildings total) was complete in June 1899 and the Post was activated 27 Jul 1899. The first garrison was a detachment of 86 enlisted men and three officers from Battery B, 3rd U.S. Coastal Artillery. Fort Flagler was made Headquarters of the Harbor Defense Command of Puget Sound because Fort Worden did not yet have permanent facilities complete. On 4 Sep 1904 the headquarters of the Harbor Defense Command of Puget Sound was transferred from Fort Flagler to Fort Worden.

Part of the parade grounds

Looking over the parade grounds, the volunteer campsites have a wonderful view of Puget Sound and the ships that pass by.  Judy, who writes a popular blog called Travels with Emma, volunteered at Fort Flagler for a month when she first started full-time RVing.

During World War I eight of the fort's guns were sent to Europe and converted to field or railway guns and 2 were sent to Canada. After World War I Fort Flagler was used as a ROTC training center. 

Fort Flagler map--click to enlarge

During World War II and the Korean War the fort was used for training in amphibious warfare.  At the end of the Korean War Fort Flagler was deactivated.  The property was purchased by the State of Washington as a state park in 1955.

Henry Bankhead Battery, where outdoor concerts are held during the summer months

Our Fort Flagler State Park campsite has full hookups including 50 amp power.  Because we have a Washington State Parks Off-Season Senior Pass, (available for WA residents only, sorry) we are paying $6 per night for this wonderful, spacious waterfront site.  The regular price is $28 per night.

Fort Flagler campground, site #113

Fort Flagler State Park, Washington

Dave and I have been home from Pismo Beach for 2 1/2 weeks, and I've been itching to get back out in the motorhome again.  After many negotiations with the Norcold, they finally agreed to replace the cooling unit in our motorhome refrigerator.  Now that it's repaired, it's time to take another short trip. 

The weather forecast is for rain, rain, and more rain, but somehow I don't mind the rain as much when we're on a trip and out exploring new areas.  We decided to  drive north to Fort Flagler State Park.  The park has a seasonal camping area that opened up on March 1 and closes again on October 31.  We were here on a day trip last February when we were staying in Port Townsend, and saw that the campground looked like a fine place.  I'll take some pictures if and when it stops raining.  In the meantime, here are a couple of maps to show you where we are.

Washington State

A more detailed view of the location of Fort Flager. 

An online spiel about the fort:

Fort Flagler State Park is a 784-acre marine camping park surrounded on three sides by 19,100 feet of saltwater shoreline. The park rests on a high bluff overlooking Puget Sound, with views of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. Many historic buildings remain at this 19th-century-established military fort. This historic fort offers gun batteries to explore and guided heritage tours. Panoramic views of surrounding mountains and Puget Sound add to the attractions.