Over 100 years ago young soldiers dressed in Union blue stood watch over Fort Stevens at the mouth of the Columbia River. Originally commissioned as a Civil War fortification in 1863, Fort Stevens was deactivated as a military fort shortly after World War II, but continued to be used by the military until 1975.
Fort Stevens enjoys the distinction of being the only military installation in the continental United States to be fired on since the War of 1812. On the night of June 21, 1942, the Fort was the target of a Japanese submarine which fired 17 shells, causing no damage.
Visitors love to explore the abandoned gun batteries and climb on the nearby commander's station for a scenic view of the Columbia River and South Jetty.
Click here for additional Historic Military Installations.