Fort Henness

Fort Henness (1855-1856) - A large stockade with two blockhouses first established in 1855 during the Yakima Indian War by Grand Mound Prairie settlers in Thurston County, Washington. Named after Captain Benjamin I. Henness, Washington Territorial Volunteers. Abandoned as a fortification about 1856.

Fort Henness History

Fort Henness was built as a large stockade with two blockhouses on opposing corners enclosed by buildings that included a school for the children. The fort was reportedly occupied for 16 months by 224 people of 30 families during the emergency period of the Yakima Indian War. Abandoned as a fortification about 1856.

Current Status

Marker only at the site across from the Grand Mound Cemetery.

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Location: Across from the Grand Mound Cemetery, Thurston County, Washington. Maps & Images Lat: 46.822345 Long: -123.021652 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: 184'

Sources:

• Roberts, Robert B., Encyclopedia of Historic Forts: The Military, Pioneer, and Trading Posts of the United States, Macmillan, New York, 1988, 10th printing, ISBN 0-02-926880-X, page 833
• Hart, Herbert M., Tour Guide to Old Western Forts, Pruett Publishing Co., Boulder CO, 1980, ISBN 0-87108-568-2, page 185-186
• Whiting, J.S., Forts of the State of Washington: A record of Military and Semi-Military Establishments Designated as Forts, Kelly Printing Company, Seattle, Second Edition, 1951, page 59

Links:

• North American Forts - Fort Henness

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