Fort Whitman facts for kids
Fort Whitman was an important military fort located on Goat Island in Puget Sound, Washington state. It was built near the town of La Conner. This fort was part of the larger system called the Harbor Defenses of Puget Sound, which protected the waters around Washington.
Fort Whitman's main job was to guard the narrow waterway east of Fidalgo Island, known as Skagit Bay. This was a key passage that needed protection, especially during wartime.
What Was Fort Whitman?
Fort Whitman was a special kind of fort built by the Endicott Board. This board was a group that planned coastal defenses for the United States. The fort had one main battery called Battery Harrison. This battery held four large 6-inch guns. These guns were designed to defend against enemy ships.
Protecting the Bay
Besides the big guns, Fort Whitman also had structures to control underwater mines. These mines could be placed in the water to stop enemy ships from passing through. The fort also had temporary buildings like barracks for soldiers and other support facilities. There was also a small house for a caretaker who looked after the fort when it wasn't fully active.
Fort Whitman's Role Over Time
The fort was mostly kept on "caretaking status." This means it wasn't always fully staffed with soldiers. Instead, a small group or a caretaker would look after it. It would only become fully active during times of war.
By World War II, the large 6-inch guns were no longer the main defense. Newer, faster threats meant different weapons were needed. The fort's main weapons then became 37mm AMTB guns. These were smaller, faster-firing guns used to defend against motor torpedo boats and other quick attacks.
Fort Whitman was established around 1900. It continued to serve its purpose, mainly during wartime, until it was officially closed down in 1948.
More Information
- Fortwiki site [1]
