Fort Casey, now a state park, is a former United States defense forces installation on Whidbey Island in Island County, Washington. The fort, which lasted until the early 1900s, was built in 1897 to assist protect Washington from many battles throughout its heyday. After years of lying in misery, the fort was abandoned and turned into a park.

Fort Casey's Ascension

The United States Army created a newly constructed fort to protect the entrance to Puget Sound and the naval shipyard in Bremerton at the turn of the twentieth century. On Whidbey Island, the fort was named "Fort Casey" in honor of Brigadier General Thomas Lincoln Casey, the last U.S. Army chief of engineering. The "triangle of fire" was created by Fort Casey, Fort Worden, and Fort Flagler, and its massive guns fired for the first time on September 11, 1901. With 10 officers and 428 enlisted men, Fort Casey had risen to become Washington's fourth largest military facility in under 20 years.

Fort Casey, built in the late 1800s, was outfitted for defense and used as a training station until the mid-1940s. The fort is home to two unique 10-inch disappearing cannons. While cannons were at the pinnacle of technology in the early 1900s, advancements in warships and the introduction of aviation quickly rendered them obsolete. Two more 3-inch mounted cannons are on exhibit in their original emplacements. You are free to investigate these batteries to your heart's content.

Rebuff of Fort Casey

The fortification was utilized by the Army until World War II. When Fort Casey was deactivated in the 1950s, Seattle Pacific University acquired the parade ground and a portion of the land where the troops were housed, upgrading and repairing the buildings for university retreats, seminars, and gatherings by other groups. Today, Seattle Pacific welcomes school groups, churches, charitable organizations, alumni, and outdoor education programs to this extraordinary historical site.

Fort Casey State Park

Fort Casey is currently a state park under the name, Fort Casey Historical State Park. So, gather your family, friends, and history aficionados and head to Fort Casey Historical State Park. This ancient military fort is guaranteed to pique your interest, from the charming 1903-vintage lighthouse, which has its interpretive center and gift shop, to the catacomb-like bunkers and cannons. For many hours, US Navy planes from neighboring Naval Air Station Whidbey Island may pass over the campsite at any time.

Navy soldiers undertake training missions throughout the day and night. Their flying pattern may take them over the campground, causing loud circumstances for campers, depending on the direction of the wind. Although State Parks cannot be held liable for the jet noise, we do communicate visitor complaints to officials of Naval Air Station Whidbey.