Fort Steilacoom: A Historic Gem in Lakewood, Washington
Nestled within the heart of Lakewood, Washington, Fort Steilacoom stands as a testament to the region’s rich history and military past. Originally established in 1849, this former military post played a pivotal role in the early settlement and defense of the Puget Sound area. Today, Fort Steilacoom Park and the Historic Fort Steilacoom Museum offer visitors a unique glimpse into 19th-century military life while serving as a community hub for outdoor activities and seasonal events.
Geographical Significance
Fort Steilacoom is located in the city of Lakewood, in Pierce County, Washington. The park spans over 340 acres and includes rolling meadows, scenic walking trails, and access to Waughop Lake. Situated just off Steilacoom Boulevard and close to Interstate 5, it is easily accessible from Tacoma and other neighboring cities. The park’s natural beauty provides a perfect setting for recreational activities, including jogging, picnicking, and birdwatching.
Photo credit: https://historicfortsteilacoom.org/event-photos/
Historical Importance
Originally operated by the U.S. Army, Fort Steilacoom served as an essential outpost during the mid-19th century. It played a role in regional conflicts and territorial disputes, serving as a base of operations during the Indian Wars of the 1850s. The fort was decommissioned in 1868, but several of its original structures remain. These buildings, restored and maintained as part of the Historic Fort Steilacoom Museum, provide visitors with a window into Washington’s military and pioneer heritage.
Seasonal Events and Activities
Fort Steilacoom and its surrounding park host numerous events throughout the year, celebrating the history and natural beauty of the area:
- Spring: The annual Easter Egg Hunt and Historical Walking Tours bring families and history enthusiasts together to explore the grounds and learn about the fort’s past.
- Summer: Living History Day is a highlight, featuring reenactments, period costumes, and demonstrations of 19th-century military drills and crafts.
- Fall: The Ghost Walks and Lantern Tours offer a spooky yet educational look at the fort’s past, sharing ghost stories and legends tied to its historic buildings.
- Winter: Christmas at Fort Steilacoom recreates a 19th-century holiday celebration, complete with period decorations, storytelling, and traditional treats.
Events: Click this link for upcoming events at Fort Steilacoom
Preserving the Legacy
The Historic Fort Steilacoom Association works diligently to maintain and promote the site, ensuring that future generations can appreciate its historical significance. Guided tours, educational programs, and community engagement efforts continue to keep the fort’s story alive.
For visitors interested in experiencing a blend of history, nature, and community events, Fort Steilacoom is a must-visit destination in Lakewood, Washington. Whether exploring the museum, enjoying a hike, or attending a seasonal celebration, the fort offers something for everyone year-round.
Fort Steilacoom was founded by the U.S. Army in 1849 near Lake Steilacoom. It was among the first military fortifications built by the U.S. north of the Columbia River in what was to become the State of Washington. The fort was constructed due to civilian agitation about the massacre in 1847 at the Whitman mission.
Indians of the Nisqually tribe attacked white settlers in the area on October 29, 1855, as a result of their dissatisfaction with the Treaty of Medicine Creek that had been imposed on them the previous year, particularly angered that their assigned reservation curtailed the traditional fishing economy. The fort was headquarters for the U.S. 9th Infantry Regiment during this “Indian War” of 1855-56. In the course of the conflict, Volunteer U.S. Army Colonel Abram Benton Moses was killed. At the conclusion of the war, Territorial Governor Isaac Stevens brought Chief Leschi of the Nisqually tribe to trial for the death of Moses during a skirmish at Connell’s Prairie on October 31, 1855.
Since the death had occurred in combat, the United States Army refused to carry out the sentence of death on the grounds of Fort Steilacoom, maintaining that he was a prisoner of war. The territorial legislature therefore passed a law authorizing Leschi’s execution at the hands of civilian authorities. On February 19, 1858, Leschi was hanged in what is today the city of Lakewood. He was exonerated in 2004.[1]
Fort Steilacoom was decommissioned as a military post in 1868. In 1871 Washington Territory repurposed the fort as an insane asylum, with the barracks serving as patient and staff housing. Fort Steilacoom is now Western State Hospital.
Four cottages from the fort remain on the site, and serve as a living history museum. The post cemetery also remains, containing civilian burials from the fort era. All known military burials were relocated to the San Francisco National Cemetery in the 1890s.
No reviews yet. Be the first to review!
Did you like this article? Provide a rating.