Fort Townsend
Fort Townsend (1856-1861) (1874-1895) - Fort Townsend was built in 1856 by the U.S. Army for the protection of settlers.
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Fort Townsend History
In 1859 troops were sent from the fort to assist in the San Juan Island boundary dispute commonly known as "The Pig War." The fort was closed between 1859 and 1874 for being "unfit," after an inspection by the commander of the army headquarters in Columbia. Brought back to life in 1874, the fort thrived until 1895 when fire - started by an exploding kerosene lamp - destroyed the barracks. The fort was decommissioned but was used during World War II as an enemy munitions defusing station. In 1958 it was turned over to the State Parks Commission.
Current Status
Old Fort Townsend State Park, Jefferson County, Washington. Not much remains except the grounds and a flagpole. Interpretive signs mark the locations of important buildings and places but nothing remains that can be viewed.
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Location: On the Olympic Peninsula, approximately two miles south of Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington. Maps & Images Lat: 48.07628 Long: -122.78789 |
Links:
Visited: 19 Jul 2008
Picture Gallery
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Fort Townsend Barracks Interior circa 1885 (University of Washington Archive)
