Fort Worden, Washington — History & Visitor Guide

Fort Worden (Port Townsend, Washington)

Port Townsend · Washington · Endicott Period / World War I and II

Quick BriefLocated on 433 acres at Port Townsend, Washington, Fort Worden was a United States Army Coast Artillery Corps base built to protect Puget Sound from invasion by sea. Authorized by Congress on June 6, 1896, and with construction beginning in July 1897, the fort was officially activated on May 14, 1902. It anchored the northwest side of the "Triangle of Fire"—three forts built at Admiralty Inlet's entrance that used powerful artillery to defend against naval invasion.

Endicott SystemCoastal defenseOpen to visitors

History & Significance

Constructed between 1898 and 1920, Fort Worden was one of the largest Endicott Period forts built and a rare example of a post constructed according to the Endicott Board's precepts on land not already occupied by an existing fortification. The fort was named after U.S. Navy Rear Admiral John Lorimer Worden, commander of USS Monitor during the Battle of Hampton Roads in the American Civil War.

The Endicott Board's innovative designs featured concrete walls that concealed heavy steel breech-loaded rifled cannons mounted on "disappearing carriages"—weapons that could be raised above the walls to fire, then rapidly pulled back below ground level. The 126th Company, Coast Artillery, consisting of 87 soldiers under Captain Manus McCloskey, arrived by steamer SS Majestic on May 3, 1902, to garrison the post.

By fall 1905, Fort Worden was fully staffed with four companies of coast artillery, and the harbor defense system, costing approximately $7.5 million, was considered complete and operational. The fort's guns never fired a hostile shot; many were removed during World War I for use in Europe, and all remaining guns were scrapped in World War II.

During World War II, Fort Worden remained the headquarters of the Harbor Defense Command, jointly operated by the Army and Navy, hosting the 14th Coast Artillery Regiment, the 248th Regiment of the Washington National Guard, the 2nd Amphibious Engineers, and Navy personnel. The fort was permanently deactivated on June 30, 1953. The State of Washington purchased it in 1957 to house a juvenile detention facility, and in 1971 the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission acquired it, opening Fort Worden State Park in 1973.

Key Facts

StateWashington

LocationPort Townsend

Established1902

Decommissioned1953

War / eraEndicott Period / World War I and II

Current statusState or National Park

Coordinates48.138, -122.768

NRHP reference74001954

Map

Loading map…

🧳 Visiting

What you’ll see when you visit:

Restored Coast Artillery Corps batteries and fortifications from 1898–1920 era
Historic barracks, officers' quarters, and parade ground
Military museums and exhibits on Puget Sound coastal defense
Beautiful waterfront setting with views of Admiralty Inlet
Walking trails and recreational facilities throughout the park

Best time to visitSpring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer mild weather and clearer skies; summer can be dry but crowded, while winters are wet and cool.

Getting thereFly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), about 85 miles south, or use Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NUW) for closer access. Drive north to Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula.

From the nearest major airportSeattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)🚗 101 mi by road⏱️ ≈ 2 hr 30 min drive

Fort Worden (Port Townsend, Washington)

History & Significance

Key Facts

Map

🧳 Visiting

Sources

Other Forts in Washington

Explore Other States