Willapa Military Reservation

Willapa Military Reservation (1918-1932) - A World War I Coastal Military Reservation first established in 1918. Abandoned in 1932.

Willapa Military Reservation History

Part of the Harbor Defense of Willapa Harbor.

World War I

Two temporary batteries built with only concrete pads for two 6" pedestal mounted rifles and four 12" mortars on two separate plots of land. The 6" guns came from Fort Stevens, Battery Freeman and were mounted in 1919 but the mortars were not furnished. On 26 Oct 1921 the Coast Defenses of the Columbia were placed in caretaker status and a caretaker detachment of six men was to care for Fort Canby, Fort Columbia, Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay. One caretaker was placed at both Willapa Military Reservation and Grays Harbor Military Reservation. The caretaker at Willapa Bay was relieved about 1930. The 6" guns were transferred 28 Aug 1932 to Fort Worden for future use in Battery Tolles-B.

Willapa Military Reservation World War I Battery (edit list)

Battery Click on Battery links below	No.	Caliber	Type Mount	Service Years	Notes
Battery Willapa-1	2	6"	Pedestal	1918-1918-1919-1932
Battery Willapa-2	4	12"	Mortar	1918-1918-1919-NA
Source: CDSG

Fort Willapa Military Reservation Plan 1921

Current Status

Near North Cove, Washington. The terrain has eroded significantly and it is difficult to pinpoint the exact site of the batteries. No period guns or carriages in place.

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Location: Fort Willapa Military Reservation Private Property Park, Washington. Maps & Images Lat: 46.723682 Long: -123.989553 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: '

Sources:

• Coast Defense Study Group, Press, Digital Library, Forums
• Hanft, Marshall, Fort Stevens: Oregon's defender at the river of the West, Your Town Press, 1980, page 246

Visited: No

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