Fort Ward (Bainbridge Island, Washington)
Bainbridge Island · Washington · World War II
History & Significance
Fort Ward was originally known as Beans Point and was established in 1890, though construction began February 1, 1900, and was completed in 1901. On June 12, 1903, Fort Ward on Bainbridge Island was officially named.
It was named after Colonel George H. Ward, 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Brevet Brigadier General. The fort was part of a coordinated coastal defense network; Forts Casey, Flagler, and Worden protected the northern entrance to Puget Sound, while Fort Ward, along with Middle Point fortification, was the last line of defense for the Bremerton Shipyard.
The fort officially closed on March 12, 1928, but the Army transferred Fort Ward to the Navy in 1938. Its World War II significance proved extraordinary: Rhombic antennas were installed on the Parade Ground, and the old post exchange building was converted into a top-secret listening post code-named "Station S," where men and women worked 24 hours a day listening to Japanese naval communications. Upon deactivation, the Washington State Park System acquired part of the fort in 1960 to create Fort Ward State Park, which was transferred to the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District in 2011 and became Fort Ward Park.
Key Facts
Map
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🧳 Visiting
What you’ll see when you visit:
- Historic World War II radio intelligence station buildings and grounds
- Preserved coastal artillery fortification overlooking Puget Sound
- Exhibits on Japanese naval communications interception and Navy cryptography
- Original structures including barracks and command facilities
- Waterfront setting with views of Bremerton Naval Shipyard area
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Ward_(Washington)
- https://www.historylink.org/File/9648
- https://www.historylink.org/File/9699
- https://fortwiki.com/Fort_Ward_(2)
- https://www.historylink.org/file/7524
- https://stateparks.com/fort_ward_state_park_in_washington.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Ward_Park