Winter 2019 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.
Excerpt from this newsletter:
“The World Must Be Made Safe For Democracy” – Story by D. Lindstrom
The Winter and Spring newsletters for 2018 carried parts one and two of a three-part story outlining the experiences of John Ferguson and the 65th Artillery, Coast Artillery Corps during World War I. The series was interrupted by an article outlining the US Army’s Spruce Division which appeared in the Summer 2018 newsletter. (The afore mentioned newsletters are available on the FOOFS web site.). This story is part three and the conclusion of the series…..
Summer 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.
Excerpt from this newsletter:
“Fort Stevens And The World War I Spruce Production Division” – by D. Lindstrom
2nd Lieutenant John Ferguson has not been forgotten. The spring issue left John wondering if he would get to the front and see some action, and as he was boarding a train, the terms of an armistice drawn up by the United States President Woodrow Wilson, were about to be signed by the Central Powers. The 2019 winter issue will bring John’s story to a conclusion.
In the meantime, the summer issue takes up a fascinating aspect of the World War story that took place in the Pacific Northwest and in several respects, albeit minor, involved Fort Stevens.
Fun at the Fort!
Labor Day Weekend (Sat/Sun) 11:00am -3:00pm
Come out and enjoy playing various games, attend JR Ranger programs, experience history on a free guided truck or battery tour, and get your picture taken with JR Beaver!
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.
