Fort Whitman (La Conner, Washington)
La Conner · Washington · World War II
History & Significance
Fort Whitman was named for Dr. Marcus Whitman, an American pioneer killed on November 29, 1847. The fort served as an adjunct to the three major forts—Fort Casey, Fort Flagler, and Fort Worden—that formed a defensive "triangle of fire" around Puget Sound.
Constructed in response to early 20th-century naval anxieties about potential Russian or Japanese attack, Fort Whitman was strategically positioned to guard Deception Pass and Saratoga Pass, the back entrances into Puget Sound, protecting Seattle and the Bremerton Naval Shipyard. The fort comprised a single four-gun 6-inch DC battery, Battery Harrison, and mine control structures.
Most barracks and support facilities were temporary, with only a caretaker's quarters remaining. Except during wartime, the fort remained on caretaking status throughout its existence.
By World War II, the six-inch disappearing guns were no longer required; the main armament was 37mm AMTB guns. The fort was declared surplus on May 13, 1944.
The post was sold to the state in 1947 as a wildlife refuge, and is now part of the Skagit Wildlife Area managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Unlike most Endicott Period forts which became state parks, Goat Island is accessible only by water.
Key Facts
Map
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🧳 Visiting
What you’ll see when you visit:
- Coastal defense battery and mine control structures on Goat Island in Puget Sound
- Six-inch gun emplacement and World War II-era 37mm armament positions
- Views of Fidalgo Island passage and strategic waterway
- Minimally-staffed fortification reflecting wartime coastal defense strategy
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Whitman
- https://cdsg.org/fort-whitman/
- https://www.historylink.org/file/7524
- https://mynorthwest.com/1325287/fort-whitman-washington-history/
- https://fortwiki.com/Fort_Whitman
- https://www.northamericanforts.com/West/wa.html
- https://parks.wa.gov/about/news-center/field-guide-blog/life-bessie-1892-1987-part-ii