Fort Stevens, Washington

We visited Fort Stevens in Warrenton, Washington. Fort Stevens was first established during the Civil War to add protections in case England tried to enter the war on the side of the Confederates. Various changes took place at the fort during the later years. During WWII a Japanese sub fired upon the fort from 12 miles out on the Columbia River. The Commander at Fort Stevens did not fire back as he did not want to give away his position and besides, his guns could only fire 9 miles. After the war, the pilot of the plane who was aboard the sub at the time of its firing upon the fort, told the Americans that the Japanese fired hoping that the explosions would cause and American ship to respond so it could be sunk, The Japanese did not know that there were guns protecting the Columbia River. The batteries were covered with mounds of dirt and could not be seen from the river. The army had 3 batteries that protected the Columbia River. Fort Stevens also laid mines in the Columbia River to keep out large battleships. After WWII, the fort was decommissioned and the guns that were left were dismantled. One of the 10" guns was literaly broken into pieces that could be carried by one man as the battery and gun had been covered with cement and the stairs leading out of it were only wide enough for one man.