Buckley & Buckley Real Estate
Buckley & Buckley Real Estate
Fort Ward on Bainbridge Island
Posted on December 1, 2009
Fort Ward, originally known as Bean Point from 1890-1903, was named in honor of Colonel George H. Ward, 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Colonel Ward died of wounds during the battle of Gettysburg on July 2, 1863. After 1903, Fort Ward was placed on inactive status and essentially abandoned. The fort remained deserted until 1935, when the state used it as a children's camp. During World War II, a submarine net was installed across Rich Passage, as were a radio station and training school for naval communication personnel. Radio towers capable of breaking enemy codes were built within the fort. In 1958, the US Navy decommissioned the fort, and State Parks purchased Fort Ward in 1960. On January 12, 1978, Fort Ward was officially designated as an historic site by the Washington State Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. This same year, the National Park Service listed Fort Ward on the National Register as a Historic District. Fort Ward State Park is now enjoyed on a daily basis as a 137-acre waterfront park with 4,300 feet of saltwater shoreline on Rich Passage. Many of the structures reflect the historic military significance of the area, but the park is well developed for day use. Common activities here include boating, fishing, picnicking, walking, jogging and bicycling. Maureen
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