What is Fort Flagler?

Fort Flagler is part of the "Ring of Fire" built to protect Puget Sound.  Fort Worden and Fort Casey form the other two points. The distance across the water is only 6 miles but over 600' deep. Swift tides, fog and shifting sand spits have always been natural hazards for boats and ships.  Area lighthouses predate the forts.

Homesteaders began arriving on Marrowstone Island in 1862 when Congress separated Washington Territory from Oregon Territory.  Fort Townsend was already built in 1858 as a show of force to the Indian tribes in the area.  It was abandoned in 1859, rebuilt in 1874 and abandoned again in 1895. Fort Worden, Fort Casey and Fort Flagler were begun in 1897 to protect Puget Sound cities and the naval shipyard in Bremerton.  HIgh quality cement was not available so tens of thousands of 400# barrels of Portland cement was shipped from Belgium in British ships. Sand, gravel and water were available and temporary rail lines were used to move materials.

Fort Flagler was a military installation from 1899 to 1953 during 3 major wars.  The gray buildings in the park are WWI era and the yellow ones are WWII and Korean War time.  The museum is the original 1903 Quartermaster building.  WWI Non Commissioned Officer's quarters now house park rangers.  Other buildings are rented to the public.  Gun emplacements and batteries are open for exploration.  Guided tours are offered regularly.

Fort Flagler was named for Daniel Webster Flagler.  He graduated from West Point on June 21, 1861. He served various grades up to Brigadier General of Ordnance on January 23, 1981.  He was known for upgrading guns from smooth-bore cannons to rifled artillery.  He died on March 29, 1899 and the fort was named for him on July 27, 1899.

Interestingly, no battles ever took place here. By the time the forts were completed, air warfare had come into use and the forts became obsolete, used only for training purposes.

Excerpted from a brochure provided by Friends of Fort Flagler.

"Triangle of Fire" map

Park map showing roads and trails.

Park Office

Park office where I sit on weekends.

Aerial view of the park.  The campground is on the point to the right.
We are camped in the grassy area to the top.  The other open space
is a gun battery.

The 3 story hospital building facing Whidbey Island.

Museum on the Right, Ranger housing on the Left.