HISTORY

Historic Fort Worden State Park and Conference Center has evolved from a Coast Salish indigenous people’s gathering place to a military fort (1897-1953), then a juvenile detention facility (1957-1971), and finally a Washington State Park since 1973.

Originally built as part of Puget Sound's coastal defense system, the fort never fired a shot in combat. Today it serves as a historic cultural and educational conference and event center, while preserving its military history and mission of life-long learning..

  • Thousands of years ago: Coast Salish Indigenous peoples used the area 1855: Local tribes ceded ownership under the Treaty of Point No Point 1866: President Andrew Johnson withdrew 464 acres for military reservation 1880s-1925: Chinese immigrants established farming operations 1883/1886: Alexander's Castle built

  • 1897: Fort Worden construction began 1897-1900: Three years of excavation and concrete work for gun emplacements 1902: Fort Worden officially established as an active Army base 1903-1904: Initial barracks completed 1917: Expansion during World War I with six new buildings 1953: The base closed when the Harbor Defense Command was deactivated

  • 1956: Most of Fort Worden was purchased by the Port of Port Townsend Wikipedia

    1957: The State of Washington purchased Fort Worden for $127,533 for use as a diagnostic and treatment center for troubled youths Wikipedia

    1957-1971: Fort Worden operated as a Juvenile Diagnostic Center, run by the Department of Institutions and holding youth offenders Home

    1971: Governor Daniel J. Evans closed the Juvenile Diagnostic Center, and later that year the remaining 358 acres were transferred to Washington State Parks

  • 1973: Fort Worden State Park officially opened to the public (August 18) 1973: Centrum founded as a non-profit arts and education organization 1974: Copper Canyon Press located permanently at Fort Worden 1990s: Port Townsend Marine Science Center programs began 2009-2011: Fort Worden Lifelong Learning Center Public Development Authority chartered

  • Fort Worden is entering an exciting new chapter with the launch of a 10‑year master plan that will guide the campus into its next era as a hub for arts, culture, education, and regenerative innovation. As these plans unfold, United Earth Networks is poised to be a long-term partner in bringing this vision to life.

    Through our media, education, and global convening initiatives, UEN is ready to help activate Fort Worden’s historic spaces with year‑round programs, immersive storytelling, and collaborative projects that serve both the local community and audiences worldwide. Our goal is to contribute to a vibrant, future‑ready Fort Worden—one that continues to inspire learning, creativity, and planetary stewardship for many years to come.