Fort Flagler (Jefferson County, Marrowstone Island, Washington)
Jefferson County, Marrowstone Island · Washington
History & Significance
On June 6, 1896, Congress authorized construction of three forts to protect Admiralty Inlet, the strategic entrance to Puget Sound. Fort Flagler, together with Fort Worden and Fort Casey, guarded the inlet with a 'triangle of fire'—three fortresses placed at the entrance with huge guns to thwart any invasion attempt by sea.
Construction began in June 1897 by the Pacific Bridge Company of Portland, Oregon. Upon completion, Fort Flagler held 26 artillery pieces: two 12-inch disappearing guns, four 10-inch disappearing guns, six 6-inch disappearing guns, two 5-inch pedestal guns, four 3-inch pedestal guns, and eight 12-inch mortars.
The guns were never fired against an enemy and quickly became obsolete as advances in naval technologies and airpower eroded the fort's effectiveness by the 1920s. The fort remained active, training soldiers for World War I and supporting amphibious operations in World War II and the Korean War. Permanently deactivated on June 30, 1953, the property was transferred to the General Services Administration in April 1954 and subsequently purchased by Washington State Parks.
Key Facts
Map
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🧳 Visiting
What you’ll see when you visit:
- Late-19th-century coastal artillery batteries and bunkers defending Puget Sound
- Historic officers' quarters and support buildings preserved on site
- Scenic waterfront location on Marrowstone Island with hiking and camping facilities
- Part of the three-fort defensive triangle across Admiralty Inlet
Sources
- https://parks.wa.gov/about/news-center/field-guide-blog/fort-flagler-historical-state-park-history
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Flagler_State_Park
- https://parks.wa.gov/508/Fort-Flagler
- https://www.historylink.org/file/7524