Fort Stevens Possesses Fascinating Military History.

Fort Stevens was constructed in 1862, during the Civil War and remained active until shortly after World War II. It was the primary military defense at the mouth of the Columbia River.

fort stevens

The fort gained distinction as the only military installation in the continental United States to have been fired on since the War of 1812.

A Japanese submarine roaming offshore that night fired 17 shells at the fort.

Though the shells fired at the fort did virtually no damage, it put the United Stated on red alert, once again fearing an invasion.

The guns at the fort did not return fire and the soldiers were angry because they wanted to fire back to defend their country.

Canons at Fort Stevens

Throughout the year, you can visit the museum and browse through displays dating back to the Civil War. You can also visit the only enclosed Civil War earthworks site on the west coast and explore the gun batteries.

canon at fort stevens During the summer you can watch the blacksmiths work. You will also tour a rare 90-year-old underground gun battery that served as a command center during World War II.

As you explore the abandoned gun batteries at Fort Stevens and climb the nearby commander's station you can sense the young soldiers dressed in Union blue's as they stood watch over the fort.

As you are standing on one of the batteries next to the cannon you can gaze out to sea and imagine soldiers standing duty there. It would have been pretty miserable when it was raining and blowing in a Pacific Ocean storm.

Native Longhouse.

You can explore a Native American Longhouse. It sits approximately where a structure was marked on maps dating pre-Civil War.

The Clatsop Indians would have inhabited such a dwelling during Lewis & Clark's time.

Jail Cell At Fort Stevens

You will also see the jailhouse as it was in those days.

The guardhouse is still standing. As you look at the picture of a cellblock you can let your imagination go and see soldiers in there.

It would have been pretty lonely.

Civil War

I still wonder why they built a fort on the Oregon Coast for the Civil War!

I have been told it was because they didn’t want any Confederate ships coming in to the Columbia River.

Then I wonder why the Confederates would want to come up to the Columbia.

If anyone knows would you please let me know.

The Fort is located just south of Astoria near Hammond.

When you are visiting that part of the coast you don’t want to miss this historical site.

It's now a 4,000-acre state park with ocean and river beaches; lakes for fishing and swimming; camping facilities and a military museum.

Remember, Let The Waves Tickle Your Toes.

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