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Fort Casey
Fort Casey
Fort Casey
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Key Information

Fort Casey was a 19th-century defensive fortification built on Whidbey Island, Island County, Washington, to deter invasion from the sea. It is preserved as Fort Casey Historical State Park, a Washington state park and historic district within the Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve.[2]

Admiralty Inlet was considered so strategic to the defense of Puget Sound in the 1890s that three forts—Fort Casey on Whidbey Island, Fort Flagler on Marrowstone Island, and Fort Worden at Port Townsend—were built with the intention to create a "triangle of fire" against invading ships. This military strategy was based on the theory that the three fortresses would thwart any invasion attempt by sea.[3]

History

[edit]
Fort Casey and Admiralty Head Lighthouse from Puget Sound

Fort Casey was named for Brigadier General Thomas Lincoln Casey, U.S. Army Chief of Engineers.[4] Designed as part of the massive modernization program of U.S. seacoast fortifications initiated by the Endicott Board, construction on Fort Casey began in 1897. In 1901, the big guns on disappearing carriages, which could be raised out of their protective emplacements so that the guns were exposed only long enough to fire, became active. However, the fort's batteries became obsolete almost as soon as their construction was completed.

The invention of the airplane in 1903, and the subsequent development of military aircraft made the fort vulnerable to air attack. In addition, the development of battleships designed with increasingly accurate weaponry transformed the static strategies of the nineteenth century into the more mobile attack systems of the twentieth century.

Most of Fort Casey's guns and mortars were removed during World War I, when they were mounted on railcars to serve as mobile heavy artillery. Some of these weapons were returned to the fort after the war, and were scrapped during World War II as 16-inch guns and other weapons at other forts superseded them.[5]

The two 10-inch guns on disappearing carriages currently mounted at Fort Casey were transferred from the Philippines in the 1960s, along with two three-inch guns. The 10-inch guns are M1895MI (No. 26 and No. 28 Watervliet) on disappearing carriages M1901 (No. 13 and No. 15 Watertown) at Battery Worth, Fort Casey (originally at Battery Warwick, Fort Wint, Grande Island, Philippines). The three-inch guns are M1903 (No. 11 and No. 12) on barbette carriages M1903 (No. 6 and No. 7) at Battery Trevor, Fort Casey (originally at Battery Flake, Fort Wint).[6]

Park features

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Fort Casey is a 999-acre (404 ha) marine camping park. The Admiralty Head Lighthouse is located within the state park.[2] Three miles of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail wrap around the park.

See also

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Notes

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Fort Casey

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from Grokipedia
Fort Casey is a historic coastal artillery fortification situated on Admiralty Head at the northeastern tip of Whidbey Island in Island County, Washington, United States. Built between 1897 and 1903 as part of the U.S. Army's Endicott Board program to modernize seacoast defenses, it was designed to protect the strategic entrance to Puget Sound from potential naval invasions, forming one vertex of the "Triangle of Fire" alongside Fort Worden and Fort Flagler. Named in honor of Brigadier General Thomas Lincoln Casey, Chief of Engineers of the U.S. Army, the fort was equipped with 35 artillery pieces, including 10-inch and 6-inch disappearing guns, 12-inch mortars, and later anti-aircraft batteries. Deactivated on June 30, 1953, after serving in both World War I and World War II, it was acquired by Washington State Parks starting in 1955 and officially dedicated as Fort Casey Historical State Park in 1962. The fort's construction began in July 1897 on 123 acres of land purchased from private owner Dr. John C. Kellogg for $7,200, with the initial contract awarded to the Maney, Goerig and Rydstrom . By 1902, it was fully operational, featuring extensive infrastructure such as , officers' quarters, a , and underground magazines to support its 12 batteries, including Batteries Kingsbury, Moore, and Worth for long-range 10-inch guns. Although never firing in anger, Fort Casey played a training role during , with 13 of its guns shipped to Europe, and was reactivated during as an induction and training center, supplemented by anti-aircraft defenses against potential air threats. Its became obsolete by the due to advancements in naval gunnery and , leading to gradual disarmament, including the removal of major guns in 1942 for scrap. Today, Fort Casey Historical encompasses approximately 467 acres, offering public access to preserved batteries, two 10-inch guns and two 3-inch guns installed in 1968, allowing visitors to explore its military heritage through interpretive displays. The site also includes the Admiralty Head Lighthouse, originally constructed in and rebuilt in 1903, with its lantern house restored in 2012 and now serving as an interpretive center and gift shop. Integrated into the Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, the park supports diverse recreational activities such as on 1.8 miles of trails, , , , and viewing, while highlighting the area's pre-colonial significance to Coast Salish tribes like the Swinomish and Tulalip. The fort's structures were listed on the as part of the Central Whidbey Island Historic District in 1973, preserving its role in American coastal defense history.

Historical Background

Origins and Construction

The origins of Fort Casey trace back to the late 19th-century modernization of U.S. coastal defenses, spurred by the 1885-1886 Endicott Board report, which highlighted the obsolescence of existing fortifications and recommended a comprehensive upgrade program for key harbors, including . In response, authorized the acquisition of land for new defenses on June 6, 1896, to protect the Puget Sound Naval Station in Bremerton. The site for Fort Casey was selected at Admiralty Head on , a strategic promontory offering oversight of Admiralty Inlet, the primary entrance to ; 123 acres were purchased in 1897 from Dr. John C. Kellogg for $7,200. Construction commenced in August 1897, contracted to the Maney, Goerig and Rydstrom Construction Company, which utilized local , imported , and transportation and for materials. The fort was named in July 1899 after Casey, the former U.S. Army Chief of Engineers who had served from 1888 to 1896 and overseen major engineering projects. This naming honored his contributions to military infrastructure during a period of rapid fortification expansion. By the early , initial development had progressed significantly, including the of roads, docks, and utility systems to support operations and . Permanent buildings, such as three , six officers' quarters, and a , were completed by 1903, enabling the fort's activation in 1901 and the arrival of its first permanent in June 1902. Fort Casey formed a critical component of the "Triangle of Fire" defensive network, alongside at Point Wilson and Fort Flagler at Marrowstone Point, creating a crossfire barrier across Admiralty Inlet that was fully realized by 1905 at a total cost of $7.5 million for the three sites.

Role in Coastal Defense

Fort Casey formed a critical component of the Endicott-Taft era fortifications, initiated in the late 1890s to modernize U.S. coastal defenses against potential naval incursions into from Pacific powers such as and . Authorized by in 1896 following recommendations from the Endicott Board, the fort was strategically positioned to safeguard the region's key ports, including , by providing a layered barrier against enemy warships. As part of the "Triangle of Fire" defensive network, Fort Casey coordinated with at Port Townsend and Fort Flagler on Marrowstone Island to create overlapping fields of fire across Admiralty Inlet, the primary maritime gateway to . This layout enabled crossfire from hidden artillery emplacements—such as 10-inch disappearing guns and 12-inch mortars—to target and neutralize approaching vessels before they could advance toward inland targets. The underlying doctrine emphasized fixed, camouflaged fortifications that blended into the landscape, relying on surprise and precision firepower to deter or destroy battleships and torpedo boats in a pre-radar era of . In the early , Fort Casey's garrison conducted regular readiness drills and test firings to simulate naval invasions, honing artillery operations and coordination with forts to maintain defensive . For instance, a 1903 test firing demonstrated the system's range and accuracy against mock threats entering Admiralty Inlet. However, the of naval threats—from heavily armored battleships to stealthier and long-range —began eroding the fort's relevance by the 1910s, as mobile and outpaced the limitations of static . This shift contributed to partial obsolescence, prompting reallocations in defensive priorities even before full-scale global conflicts.

Military History

World War I and II Service

Upon the ' entry into in 1917, Fort Casey served primarily as a training facility for Coast Artillery soldiers preparing for deployment to , with troops conducting drills on its batteries and mortars to ready them for combat in the trenches. In a mobilization effort to support the , thirteen of the fort's thirty-five pieces, including 10-inch guns and 12-inch mortars, were dismantled and shipped overseas for use as rail-mounted batteries in . Following the in 1918, some of these weapons were returned to the fort for post-war testing and storage, though the installation saw no combat engagements during the conflict. During the interwar period from 1919 to 1941, Fort Casey operated under caretaker status with a minimal focused on basic maintenance of its fortifications and equipment, reflecting the U.S. Army's emphasis on cost-saving measures amid reduced defense budgets. Limited training activities continued, including summer camps for the Washington National Guard and Army Reserve Officer Training Corps units, but the fort's systems grew increasingly obsolete due to advancements in and long-range naval gunnery that diminished the effectiveness of fixed shoreline defenses. By the late 1930s, routine upkeep was the primary function, with no major mobilizations until the eve of . Fort Casey was reactivated in early as part of the Harbor Defenses of , serving as an induction center and training site for the 14th Coast Artillery Regiment (regular Army) and the 248th Coast Artillery Regiment (Washington National Guard). Wartime operations emphasized guard duty, troop drills, and exercises, including coastal patrols and the use of searchlights to detect potential threats in Admiralty Inlet; the fort's batteries were placed on heightened alert following reports of Japanese activity off the Washington , such as sightings by I-25 off the Washington near in late May 1942 and I-26 off on June 7, 1942, which prompted blackouts and increased vigilance across the region's defenses. In 1942, as part of a national scrap drive to support war production, all remaining 10-inch and 12-inch guns—seven and sixteen pieces, respectively—were dismounted and melted down, shifting the fort's role toward anti-aircraft preparations with the installation of 3-inch anti-aircraft guns in Battery A-A No. 1 by mid-1943. No enemy actions directly targeted the installation.

Obsolescence and Decommissioning

By the , Fort Casey's fixed had become technologically obsolete due to rapid advancements in and . The emergence of aircraft carriers and long-range bombers allowed potential attackers to strike from beyond the range of stationary guns, while mobile artillery provided more flexible defensive options that rendered static fortifications like those at Fort Casey ineffective against modern threats. In the , U.S. Army policy underwent significant shifts that further marginalized seacoast artillery in favor of emerging defense priorities. With the growing threat of aerial assaults, the Army redirected resources toward anti-aircraft artillery and, later, guided missile systems, viewing fixed coastal guns as inadequate for countering airpower and amphibious operations supported by carrier-based aviation. The Coast Artillery Corps, responsible for Fort Casey, increasingly focused on antiaircraft roles, leading to the gradual dismantling of harbor defense commands nationwide. Following World War II, Fort Casey transitioned from active use to caretaker status, with remaining military equipment salvaged and removed to meet postwar material demands. By 1950, the Army had transferred units from the site, initiating abandonment as structures were auctioned off by the General Services Administration in 1954, with materials repurposed locally. Fort Casey was officially deactivated on June 30, 1953, and declared surplus property, leading to its transfer to the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission starting December 1, 1955, for eventual civilian use. During the early 1950s, prior to full park conversion, the site experienced environmental exposure and structural decay from neglect, including weathering of emplacements and vandalism to abandoned buildings, which accelerated deterioration until state acquisition stabilized preservation efforts.

Fortifications and Infrastructure

Gun Batteries and Armaments

Fort Casey's primary armaments consisted of seven 10-inch disappearing guns of the M1888 model, distributed across Batteries Worth, , and Moore, with emplacements completed and accepted for service between 1902 and 1905. These guns, each weighing approximately 29 tons in their disappearing carriages, were designed to engage capital ships at ranges up to 12,000 yards, forming a key component of the harbor defense network. Battery Worth housed two such guns, while Batteries and Moore accommodated two and three, respectively, all mounted on platforms elevated about 100 feet above for optimal line-of-sight coverage. Secondary batteries supplemented the primary artillery with six 6-inch disappearing guns in Batteries Parker and Valleau, emplaced between 1903 and 1907, alongside two 5-inch pedestal guns in Battery Turman (accepted 1902) and four 3-inch rapid-fire guns in Batteries Trevor and Van Horne (accepted 1907). These lighter pieces targeted smaller vessels and provided anti-boat defense, with the 6-inch guns capable of firing 100-pound shells at rates of up to two rounds per minute. The of these batteries occurred in phases from 1900 to 1910, aligning with the Endicott-era fortifications program to modernize coastal defenses. The fort also featured mortar batteries for indirect fire support, with sixteen 12-inch mortars divided between Batteries Schenck and Seymour (eight each), emplaced between 1905 and 1907 to lob high-explosive shells over obstacles at enemy ships. Engineering innovations in Fort Casey's batteries emphasized protection and efficiency, particularly through the mechanism, which utilized counterweighted swiveling arms to elevate the barrel for firing and recoil forces to retract it below the for safe reloading. Thick concrete revetments and earth-covered parados shielded the emplacements from naval bombardment, while underground magazines stored ammunition in climate-controlled vaults accessible via hoists and elevators that transported 617-pound shells to loading platforms. These features, combined with integrated fire control stations equipped with telescopes, enabled precise targeting as part of the interlocking "Triangle of Fire" system defending . In the post-war period, two 10-inch guns salvaged from Battery Warwick at Fort Wint in the were installed in Battery Worth in 1968 for static display, bearing visible scars from combat, alongside four 3-inch pedestal guns added in Battery Trevor in 1963, with two from Fort Wint. These additions preserved examples of the original armament types without restoring operational capability.

Support Structures and Facilities

Fort Casey's support structures were essential for sustaining the garrison and enabling during its active years. The enlisted men's quarters consisted of two initial 109-man constructed between 1898 and 1902, with a third added in 1905 to house the growing personnel. Officers' residences, numbering six sets by , provided housing for up to 11 married officers and their families, reflecting the of Endicott-period posts. The post hospital, a modest single-story building completed around and expanded with a second story in 1906, served the medical needs of the fort's complement, which could reach up to 500 troops at peak strength. Administrative buildings formed the nerve center of the installation, including a for command operations and fire control stations that coordinated targeting data across the defenses. Searchlight emplacements, integrated into these facilities, supported nighttime surveillance and illumination of Admiralty Inlet, enhancing the fort's defensive coordination. Utilities and logistics infrastructure ensured self-sufficiency and supply flow to the remote site. A power plant, finished in 1910, generated electricity for lighting, searchlights, and mechanical systems. Water reservoirs stored rainwater and supplemented sources for the garrison's needs, while an internal road network connected batteries, , and storage areas. The wharf at Keystone facilitated the arrival of supply ships from Port Townsend, delivering provisions, ammunition, and construction materials via Admiralty Inlet. Defensive features extended beyond gun batteries to include two mine casemates, fortified chambers equipped with controls for detonating submerged mines across the inlet to block naval approaches. These structures exemplified Endicott-era design, employing reinforced concrete for bunkers and casemates to withstand naval bombardment, alongside brick for barracks and administrative buildings to balance durability and habitability.

Transformation into State Park

Establishment and Management

Following its obsolescence as a military installation, Fort Casey was permanently deactivated by the U.S. Army on June 30, 1953, and declared surplus property, with control transferred to the General Services Administration for disposal. On December 1, 1955, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission acquired approximately 105 acres of the site's core fortifications and battery areas, marking the initial transition to public use as a historical park. The park officially opened to visitors in 1956, with a formal dedication ceremony held on September 9, 1962, and subsequent land acquisitions expanded the protected area to its current 999 acres by the late 20th century through phased purchases completed by 1988. Management of Fort Casey State Park falls under the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, which oversees daily operations, maintenance, and interpretive programs to preserve its coastal defense heritage. In 1978, the site was incorporated into the boundaries of Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, established by as the nation's first such reserve to safeguard Central Whidbey Island's rural and military history through cooperative federal, state, and local partnerships. This integration enhances coordinated preservation efforts without altering primary state management authority. Early restoration initiatives in the and focused on clearing overgrown and debris from batteries and trails while stabilizing structures to prevent further deterioration from coastal exposure. Key projects included the installation of period pieces, such as two 3-inch pedestal guns in 1963 and two 10-inch disappearing guns in 1968, sourced from other decommissioned forts to restore historical authenticity. Funding for these and ongoing efforts derives primarily from state budget allocations via the Parks and Recreation Commission's capital and operating funds, supplemented by visitor fees like the Discover Pass and contributions from volunteer organizations supporting maintenance. Policies emphasize sustainable preservation, balancing public access with structural integrity through regular assessments and community involvement.

Key Attractions and Features

Fort Casey State Park attracts visitors with its blend of historical preservation and natural recreation, centered around the restored Admiralty Head Lighthouse and expansive coastal landscapes. The lighthouse, originally constructed in 1903 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers overlooking Admiralty Inlet, was deactivated in 1922 after its light was deemed redundant due to advancements in navigation technology. Relocated slightly inland for protection during World War II, it underwent significant restoration efforts, including a historically accurate lantern house reconstruction initiated in 2007 and completed exterior work in 2020, transforming it into an interpretive museum open seasonally from March to December. Visitors can explore exhibits on Puget Sound maritime history, climb the tower for panoramic views (limited to small groups), and browse a gift shop staffed by docents who provide insights into its operational past. The park's trail system offers immersive outdoor experiences, featuring approximately 1.8 miles of dedicated paths that wind through coastal bluffs, forested areas, and open meadows, with direct access to the National Scenic Trail (PNT). This national trail segment, part of a 1,200-mile route from to Montana's Glacier National Park, provides hikers with scenic routes along Admiralty Inlet's shoreline, including beach walks and elevated bluff overlooks ideal for spotting and ferries. Interpretive signs along the trails highlight the area's and , making them suitable for casual strolls or longer PNT explorations. Camping and picnicking facilities enhance the park's appeal for overnight stays and day visits, with around 40 sites accommodating tents, RVs up to 40 feet, and trailers, including 14 partial hookups with water and electricity. Situated along Keystone Spit, these sites offer unobstructed views of the Keystone ferry terminal and Admiralty Inlet, with easy beach access for relaxation or clamming at low tide. Picnic areas feature 48 unsheltered tables on a first-come, first-served basis, scattered near the lighthouse and waterfront for scenic meals amid the park's 10,810 feet of saltwater shoreline. Amenities like fire pits, grills, and showers support comfortable stays, while no-fee day-use zones allow free access for picnickers and explorers. In 2023, the park opened the new Keystone Boat Launch, featuring new floats, a breakwater, and moorage for up to 20 vessels, improving access for boating, fishing, and scuba diving activities. Interpretive programs emphasize self-guided exploration of the park's preserved military batteries and lighthouse, with signage detailing their roles in coastal defense and opportunities for independent tours year-round. Seasonal docent-led sessions at the focus on maritime and fort history, while school groups can access self-guided activity packets; special permits are available for events like historical reenactments through park coordination. These offerings, combined with occasional ranger programs on local ecology, foster educational engagement without formal guided tours currently available. Environmental highlights include the Keystone Spit wetlands, a vital supporting diverse , alongside prime spots where species like bald eagles, , loons, and grebes can be observed year-round. Tide pools along the rocky shores reveal intertidal life such as anemones and crabs during low tides, complementing the park's no-fee day-use areas for unstructured immersion. These features underscore Fort Casey's role as a coastal preserve, drawing enthusiasts to its beaches and bluffs.

References

  1. https://parks.wa.gov/about/news-center/field-guide-blog/fort-casey-historical-state-park-history
  2. https://www.historylink.org/file/7524
  3. https://cdsg.org/fort-casey/
  4. https://cdsg.org/fort-casey-fort-ebey-whidby-island/
  5. https://www.heraldnet.com/news/great-guns-its-been-50-years-of-great-fun-at-fort-casey/
  6. https://parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/fort-casey-historical-state-park
  7. https://www.knkx.org/other-news/2019-12-07/historic-defense-system-built-to-protect-puget-sound-becomes-instant-white-elephant
  8. https://npshistory.com/publications/ebla/brochures/fort-casey-sp.pdf
  9. https://olympiccoast.noaa.gov/explore/twentieth-century.html
  10. https://cdsg.org/united-states-seacoast-defense-construction-1781-1948-a-brief-history/
  11. https://cdsg.org/the-world-war-ii-era-1940-1950/
  12. https://mwi.westpoint.edu/the-army-eliminated-the-coast-artillery-corps-in-1950-its-time-to-bring-it-back/
  13. https://npshistory.com/publications/ebla/nr-cent-whidbey-is-hd.pdf
  14. https://theclio.com/entry/60531
  15. https://cdsg.org/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/FORTS/CACunits/CAGarrison.pdf
  16. https://fortwiki.com/Fort_Casey_(1)
  17. https://cdsg.org/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/CDSG/CDSG%20WEBSITE%20UPDATES/CDSG%20Downloads/CDList12.pdf
  18. https://www.nps.gov/gate/learn/historyculture/endicotteradefenses.htm
  19. https://parks.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-05/Fort%20Casey%20State%20Park%20Brochure%206-7-22.pdf
  20. https://www.nps.gov/ebla/learn/historyculture/index.htm
  21. https://npshistory.com/publications/ebla/index.htm
  22. https://historylink.org/File/23266
  23. https://www.historylink.org/File/5710
  24. http://washingtonlighthouses.org/data/lighthouse_ah.html
  25. https://news.uslhs.org/2020/09/08/admiralty-head-lighthouse-restoration/
  26. https://www.pnt.org/
  27. https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/fort-casey-state-park
  28. https://www.campsitephotos.com/campground/wa/fort-casey-state-park/
  29. https://whidbeycamanoislands.com/how-to-spend-the-day-and-night-at-whidbey-islands-fort-casey/
  30. https://parks.wa.gov/news/2023/new-keystone-boat-launch-will-open-june-fort-casey
  31. https://explorewashingtonstate.com/exploring-fort-casey-on-whidbey-island/
  32. https://www.cascadeloop.com/bird-watching-
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