Fort Flagler State Park is located in Jefferson County on the north end of Marrowstone Island, across the bay from Port Townsend.

Acreage

783.28 acres surrounded on three sides by 19,100 feet of saltwater shoreline.

Acquired

The park was acquired in five parcels primarily from the Federal Government; the first in 1957 and the last in 1962, for a total cost of $36,473.38. The fifth parcel (10.4 acres) was returned to the Coast Guard in 1972.

Historical Background

Fort Flagler, along with the heavy batteries of Fort Worden and Fort Casey, guarded the entrance to Puget Sound. These posts, established in the late 1890s, became the first line of a fortification system designed to prevent a hostile fleet from reaching such targets as the Bremerton Naval Yard and the cities of Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia and Everett. Construction began in 1897. By 1900, the initial installation of armament was completed along with barracks for the 3rd Artillery Unit. Final construction was completed in 1907. Fort Flagler was placed on caretaker status in 1937 and many of the original buildings were removed. In 1940, 24 new buildings were constructed. Men from the Harbor Defense of the Puget Sound, including the 14th and the Coast Artillery Regiments, moved in until 1943. From 1945 until 1954, the Fort was used for training engineers and amphibious military units. It was closed June 7, 1953 and purchased as a state park in 1955. The park was named after Brigadier General Daniel Webster Flagler on July 27, 1899.

Facilities

102 standard campsites, 14 utility sites, 2 group camps, 4 primitive bicycle sites, an environmental learning center with a total capacity of 278 (camp will accommodate 3 groups at one time), interpretive display, reservable kitchen shelter, 59 picnic sites, 19,100 feet of saltwater beach, 256 feet of moorage space at moorage floats, concession, 2 boat launches, 7 mooring buoys, 4 miles of hiking trails, 13.6 miles of roads, 79 buildings of which 28 are non­ public, fishing pier, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service marine lab. There are 9 major gun emplacements of which 5 are open to the public along with 2 searchlight buildings. There also is an American Youth Hostel located here. Cascadia Marine Trail campsite.

Activities

Camping, picnicking, boating, beachcombing, hiking, scuba diving, bottom and salmon fishing, clamming and crabbing, and wind surfing.