Fort Stevens State Park

In the northwestern corner of Oregon, where the mighty Columbia River spills into the Pacific Ocean, stands the historic Fort Stevens. Now enveloped in the tranquility of a state park, this fort has a story steeped in military history, stretching back over a century and spanning several pivotal moments in American history.

Photo: Johnny Joo – Odd World Studio

The Birth of a Fortress

The inception of Fort Stevens is rooted in the history of the American Civil War. Amidst the chaos of internal conflict, the United States also faced potential external threats. The fort was initially constructed as an earthwork battery named Fort at Point Adams, strategically located at the mouth of the Columbia River. This placement was crucial, serving as a wall against possible British naval incursions, especially given the tense relations between the United States and Great Britain during this era.

The fort was later renamed in honor of Isaac Stevens, a notable military and political figure of the time. Stevens, a former Governor of Washington Territory and a Union general, met his end in the Battle of Chantilly. The renaming of the fort after Stevens signified not just a memorialization of his service but also underscored the fort’s increasing strategic significance in national defense.

Throughout the Civil War, Fort Stevens remained on alert, poised for a conflict that never came to its shores. Its cannons, while never fired in battle during this period, symbolized the Union’s readiness to defend its territory against foreign intervention. This era was just the beginning of Fort Stevens’ lengthy tenure as a guardian of the Pacific Northwest, a tenure that would witness significant transformations in both military technology and geopolitical landscapes.

Post-Civil War, Fort Stevens’ strategic importance persisted, but its role evolved. The end of immediate hostilities provided an opportunity for the United States to reassess and reinforce its coastal defenses, including Fort Stevens. This period marked the start of a significant transformation, preparing the fort for its future roles in the rapidly changing landscape of military engagements.

Photo: Johnny Joo – Odd World Studio

Expansion and Modernization

The late 19th century heralded a new era for Fort Stevens, transforming it from a basic defensive position into a sophisticated coastal defense system. This transition was part of a national movement to enhance the United States’ coastal fortifications, driven by advances in military technology and the shifting dynamics of global power.

In 1897, Fort Stevens underwent a significant upgrade as part of this coastal defense improvement program. This upgrade was a crucial pivot, signaling the fort’s adaptation to the emerging realities of modern warfare. The transformation involved the construction of eight new concrete batteries, a stark contrast to the original earthwork structures. These batteries were fortified with an array of heavy artillery, preparing the fort to meet any naval threat with formidable force.

The fort’s armament was significantly enhanced during this period. The installation of 10-inch rifled cannons, mounted on disappearing carriages, marked a leap in military innovation. These cannons could launch 617-pound shells up to nine miles, a formidable range for the time. When not in use, the cannons would retract behind the protection of concrete and earth walls, concealing them from enemy view and fire.

Additionally, the fort’s arsenal included 6-inch rifles at Battery Pratt and powerful 12-inch mortars at Battery Clark. These weapons were capable of delivering high-trajectory fire over long distances, further enhancing the fort’s defensive capabilities. Smaller caliber rapid-fire guns were also installed to protect the minefields at the Columbia River’s mouth, completing the fort’s comprehensive defensive ensemble.

This phase of expansion and modernization marked a significant evolution for Fort Stevens. No longer just a sentinel against potential British threats, it had become a key component of the United States’ defense strategy in the Pacific. Equipped with advanced artillery and fortifications, Fort Stevens stood ready to face the challenges of the new century, its guns poised to defend the strategic Columbia River gateway.

Photo: Johnny Joo – Odd World Studio

World War II and the Japanese Attack

The onset of World War II marked a dramatic shift in the role of Fort Stevens, bringing it to the forefront of America’s coastal defense. As the war raged across the globe, the fort stood watch over the Pacific, a crucial part of the United States’ defensive network against potential Japanese naval incursions.

The most significant event in the fort’s history occurred on the night of June 21, 1942. In a solitary but historic act of aggression on American soil during World War II, the Japanese submarine I-25 surfaced near Fort Stevens and unleashed a barrage of 17 shells from its deck gun. This attack was unprecedented; it was the first time since the War of 1812 that a foreign enemy had fired upon a military installation within the contiguous United States.

The shelling by the I-25, while bold, resulted in minimal damage. Most of the shells landed harmlessly in a nearby swamp or on the beach, embedding themselves in the sand. Fort Stevens’ commander, in a strategic move, ordered a blackout and refrained from returning fire. This decision, aimed at concealing the fort’s position and capabilities, may have prevented further escalation of the attack. Notably, the fort’s artillery, including its 10-inch and 6-inch guns, remained silent, a testament to the commander’s restraint and tactical acumen.

This incident, although causing no casualties and minimal physical damage, had a profound psychological impact. It demonstrated the reach of the war to the American homeland and underscored the importance of coastal defenses like Fort Stevens. The attack on Fort Stevens remains a unique episode in American military history, a reminder of the far-reaching consequences of global conflict.

Photo: Johnny Joo – Odd World Studio

The Fort’s Transformation: From Military Bastion to State Park

The end of World War II brought significant changes to military strategies and technologies, rendering traditional coastal fortifications like Fort Stevens obsolete. With the advent of air power and guided missiles, the role of static coastal defense systems diminished. As a result, Fort Stevens underwent a fundamental transformation, marking the end of its era as a military installation.

In 1947, Fort Stevens was officially decommissioned as a military fort. This marked the conclusion of its active military service, which had spanned from the Civil War through World War II. The fort’s artillery, once the pride of the Pacific coast defense, was removed, and much of the site was turned over to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps used the area as their headquarters for maintenance activities at the mouth of the Columbia River, signaling a shift from military to civilian use.

However, the story of Fort Stevens was far from over. In 1975, the Oregon State Parks leased the old fort area. This lease initiated a new chapter in the fort’s history, one focused on preservation and public education. Efforts were made to restore and interpret the historical significance of Fort Stevens, allowing visitors to connect with its rich and varied past.

Today, Fort Stevens State Park is a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Visitors can explore the remnants of the fort, including preserved parts of the fortifications, a museum, and reconstructed earth ramparts from the Civil War era. The park offers campgrounds and beautiful beaches, providing a serene backdrop to the fort’s historical narrative. The park has become a popular destination, attracting history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families alike.

The transformation of Fort Stevens from a military stronghold to a state park is a poignant reminder of the evolving nature of warfare and defense. It stands as a bridge between the past and the present, inviting us to reflect on the complexities of history and the relentless march of time. As visitors wander through the remnants of the fort, they are walking through chapters of American history, each step a journey through time.

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