Fort Henness (1855-1856) - A large stockade with two blockhouses first established in 1855 during the Washington Indian Wars 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 Site
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 Washington Indian Wars. Abandoned as a fortification about 1856.
Current Status
Marker and fort plan sign at the fort site across from the Grand Mound Cemetery.
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Location: Across from the entrance to Grand Mound Cemetery, Thurston County, Washington.
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
