Fort Casey

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Fort Casey (1890-1950) - In 1890 the U.S. Army established its garrison at Fort Casey and in 1897 expanded the post with a additional 123 acres of land. Construction on the gun batteries began in August 1897. In July 1899 the post was named for Brigadier General Thomas Lincoln Casey, the last U.S. Army chief of engineers. The Fort was officially activated in 1900, placed in caretaker status in 1950 and acquired by Washington State in 1956.

Commanding Officer's Quarters
Commanding Officer's Quarters
Fort Casey
Fort Casey


Fort Casey History

Built as an Endicott Period coastal defense fort. A small detail of troops arrived on the reservation shortly after the installation of the guns in the first three batteries 26 Jan 1900. The first garrison numbered thirty men under the command of Lieutenant A.D.Putnam. Fort Casey was officially activated in 1900.

Fort Casey, with Fort Worden and Fort Flagler, comprised a "triangle of fire" guarding the entrance to Puget Sound and the Bremerton Navy Yard as well as the cities of Seattle, Tacoma and the State Capitol at Olympia.

Fort Casey Endicott Period Batteries
Battery No. Caliber Type Mount Years Notes
Battery Schenck 8 12" Mortar 1898-1942
Battery Seymour 8 12" Mortar 1899-1942
Battery Worth 2 10" Disappearing Carriage 1898-1942 2 display guns 1967
Battery Kingsbury 2 10" Disappearing Carriage 1902-1942
Battery Moore 3 10" Disappearing Carriage 1904-1942
Battery Parker 2 6" Disappearing Carriage 1905-1918
Battery Valleau 4 6" Disappearing Carriage 1907-1918
Battery Turman 2 5" Balanced Pillar 1901-1918
Battery Trevor 2 3" Pedestal Mount 1905-1933 2 display guns 1960
Battery Van Horne 2 3" Pedestal Mount 1905-1945
Source: Coastal Defense Study Group
Fort Casey Plan
Fort Casey Plan
Fort Casey Detail Plan
Fort Casey Detail Plan


World War I

During World War I Fort Casey was used as a training post. After the war the post was placed in caretaker status and removal of armament begun.

World War II

Fort Casey was reactivated during World War II again as an induction and training center. Two batteries were modified to hold 3" anti-aircraft batteries and the barracks were rebuilt.

Current Status

Placed in caretaker status by the US Army in 1950. Put up for sale by the General Services Administration in 1956 and acquired by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. Now 467 acre Fort Casey State Park.

Battery Worth has two 10" guns with disappearing carriages on display that were obtained in 1967(1963) from Battery Warwick, Fort Wint, Subic Bay, Philippines. Battery Trevor also has two 3" rapid fire pedestal guns on display, both from Battery Flake, Fort Wint, Subic Bay, Philippines installed in 1960.


Location: On Admiralty Head, Whidbey Island, Washington

Maps & Images Lat: 48.156854 Long: -122.677031

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Visited: 18 Jul 2008

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