Fort Columbia State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Columbia State Park |
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Historic wood-frame buildings
at Fort Columbia State Park |
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 Fort Columbia State Park
Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | Pacific County, Washington, United States |
| Area | 618 acres (250 ha) |
| Elevation | 709 ft (216 m) |
| Established | 1950 |
| Operator | Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission |
| Website | Fort Columbia State Park |
Fort Columbia State Park is a fun place to visit in Washington state. It's a public park and a historic site. You can find it on Chinook Point, right where the Columbia River meets the ocean. This park covers about 618 acres. It has twelve old wooden buildings from the fort, a special center to learn about its history, and trails for hiking. Part of the park is even built over a tunnel for U.S. Route 101.
Contents
History of Fort Columbia
Building the Fort
Fort Columbia was built a long time ago, between 1896 and 1904. Its main job was to help protect the important Columbia River. The fort was placed on Chinook Point, which is a high piece of land.
The "Triangle of Fire"
Fort Columbia was part of a special defense plan called the "triangle of fire." This plan used three forts to protect the river. The other two forts were Fort Canby and Fort Stevens. Together, they could create a strong defense.
After World War II
After World War II ended, Fort Columbia was no longer needed by the military. In 1950, it was given to the state of Washington. That's when it became a state park for everyone to enjoy.
A Secret Emergency Center
In the 1960s and 1970s, one of the fort's old gun batteries, called Battery 246, got a new job. It was set up to be a secret emergency center for the government. The governor could use it in case of a big emergency.
New Guns for the Fort
In 1993, Fort Columbia received two large 6-inch guns. These guns were moved all the way from an old fort in Canada called Fort McAndrew. They were placed at Battery 246, adding to the park's historic feel.
What You Can See and Do
Learning About History
At the Fort Columbia Interpretive Center, you can learn all about the fort's past. There are exhibits about early explorers and pioneers who lived in the area. You can also visit the Commanding Officers Quarters. This old house is decorated with furniture from the early 1900s, showing how people lived back then.
Exploring the Fort
The park has three old artillery batteries and two large coastal artillery guns. These are big cannons that were used to defend the coast. You can imagine what it was like when the fort was active!
Outdoor Fun
If you like being outdoors, Fort Columbia State Park is a great place. There are picnic areas where you can eat lunch with your family or friends. The park also has about 5 miles of hiking trails. These trails go up Scarborough Hill, offering nice views.
Staying Overnight
Did you know you can even stay overnight at the park? Two historic homes, the Steward's House and Scarborough House, are available to rent. It's a unique way to experience the park's history.
Part of a Bigger Park
Fort Columbia State Park is also part of something bigger. It's one of several state parks and sites in Washington and Oregon that make up the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. This park celebrates the famous journey of Lewis and Clark.
