Archive
Spring 2018 Newsletter
Fort Stevens Review is published by the Friends of Old Fort Stevens, an Oregon 501(c)3 Organization, helping to preserve the history Of Oregon’s Fort Stevens State Park.
Download Our NewsletterExcerpt from this newsletter:
“The World Must Be Made Safe For Democracy”
Statement by President Woodrow Wilson, 2 April 1917 during his address to Congress asking for a declaration of war against Germany – by D. Lindstrom
[Continued from the Winter 2018 issue]
Remembering the Japanese Sub Attack on Fort Stevens
76 years ago to the very day, learn about the attack on Fort Stevens by the Japanese Submarine’s guns.
Why were the shore guns silent? Did the Japanese receive signals from the shore? An interpretation of the event will take place at Battery Russell, Fort Stevens State Park.
June 21st from noon to four pm.
Memorial Day Weekend
Celebrating Memorial Day Weekend, Veterans and Freedom! Saturday and Sunday, 11:30am-4:00pm at Fort Stevens State Park Historic Site. Families can follow the Old Soldiers Trail Map, discover the Secret Word and win a prize! Follow the Gun Line and discover how Fort Stevens defended us before air power and missiles! See the newly acquired 3-inch gun at Battery Smur! Buy a raffle ticket to Fire a Civil War era cannon and more!
Rare Artillery Gun Aquired
Fort Stevens State Park has acquired a fairly rare 3-inch Coast Artillery gun.
Fort Stevens State Park Ranger John Koch, in cooperation with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, worked out a trade for a gun barrel that the park had for the 3-inch one that was in possession of the Oregon Army National Guard museum at Camp Withycombe. Once on site, the Friends of Old Fort Stevens funded the recreation of a pedestal and shield for the piece.
Friends director Steve Wicklander spearheaded the project. From measurements of actual 3-inch gun carriage parts across the river at Fort Columbia, the All Metals Fabrication company in Astoria, Oregon fabricated the necessary parts and assembled a realistic looking carriage and shield. On May 2, 2018 the gun and its carriage were delivered to Fort Stevens State Park. A heavy piece of equipment from Bergerson Construction company was waiting to lift it in place.
The gun was emplaced at Battery Smur, a 3-inch gun battery designated to protect the Columbia River’s south channel submarine mine field. The battery having two guns, was in service from 1900 to 1920. It had a range of 12,000 yards. Back in the day, it was referred to as “The Little Battery.” If you have the opportunity, visit the park and check it out. It looks really cool. Many thanks to the local firms who helped to make it possible.
Winter 2018 Newsletter
Fort Stevens Review is published by the Friends of Old Fort Stevens, an Oregon 501(c)3 Organization, helping to preserve the history Of Oregon’s Fort Stevens State Park.
Download Our NewsletterExcerpt from this newsletter:
“The World Must Be Made Safe For Democracy”
Statement by President Woodrow Wilson, 2 April 1917 during his address to Congress asking for a declaration of war against Germany – by D. Lindstrom
Summer 2017 Newsletter
Fort Stevens Review is published by the Friends of Old Fort Stevens, an Oregon 501(c)3 Organization, helping to preserve the history Of Oregon’s Fort Stevens State Park.
Download Our NewsletterExcerpt from this newsletter:
What’s In A Name?
By D. Lindstrom
Day after day visitors walk by Battery Pratt, situated in the middle of the gun line at Fort Stevens State Park. Battery Pratt emplaced two 6-inch rifles on disappearing carriages and was active between 1900 and 1943. The battery’s most notable event occurred….
Remembering the attack on Ft. Stevens
Remembering The 75th Anniversary Of The June 21, 1942 Attack On Fort Stevens By A Japanese Submarine
Wednesday, June 21 – On the date of the attack, an interpreter will be at Battery Russell and the Pacific Rim Peace Memorial with displays and information about the event. Noon until 4:00 PM.
