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Historic Fort Steilacoom
9601 Steilacoom Blvd SW
Lakewood WA 98498
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Aug. 21 talk in Lakewood begins commemoration of 175th anniversary of the Army in Washington
/in News/by fortsteilacoomThe next Lakewood Community Coffeehouse with Mayor Jason Whalen is Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024 at 6 p.m.
Mayor Whalen is excited to welcome former Lakewood City Council member and Historic Fort Steilacoom 2020-24 board president Walter Neary. Neary will share about Historic Fort Steilacoom, which recognizes its 175th birthday this year.
As part of his presentation, Neary will have newly acquired artifacts to show.
“I’m delighted that we begin a year of commemoration of the 175th anniversary of the founding of the fort with an event hosted by the City of Lakewood,” Neary said. “The military came here to make U.S. government possible in Washington Territory, and so it’s fitting we begin the commemoration with the kind of local government meeting that soldiers and U.S. settlers would have loved. Through many years of support, the City of Lakewood has enormous respect for the early history of Washington Territory.”
The event will be held at the Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park, not at the fort itself. This location is a change from where our events usually take place. The Pavilion is the peach-colored building with the outdoor stage, near the barns. Parking is available behind the Pavilion, and the address is 9107 Angle Lane SW. But that street address can be confusing, depending on your mapping software; make sure your map directs you to the center of Fort Steilacoom Park, near the barns.
Come learn what’s happening in Lakewood and discover more about the rich history of our area!
Historic Fort Steilacoom Acquires Artifacts of Pioneer Soldier Who Started the Tradition of Military Retirees Building Our Community
/in News/by fortsteilacoomThe Historic Fort Steilacoom Association (HFSA) is thrilled to announce the acquisition of artifacts belonging to Private Christopher M. Mahon, an Irish-born soldier stationed at Fort Steilacoom in 1849. This remarkable discovery sheds light on the lives of early military personnel and their enduring connection to the Puget Sound region.
Mahon, a member of Company M during the Mexican-American War, may have been one of the first of thousands of military personnel who served in Pierce County and subsequently chose to make the Pacific Northwest their permanent home. This donation underscores the fort’s crucial role in the region’s history and its lasting impact on the community.
“If you go anywhere in Lakewood, Steilacoom, Tacoma – anywhere in Pierce County, – you meet active duty personnel or people who retired from JBLM,” said Walter Neary, HFSA board president. “Mahon started the tradition. Mahon and his family represent the beginning of a long tradition of military retirees contributing to Puget Sound.”
“These items provide a fascinating glimpse into the life of a soldier stationed at Fort Steilacoom,” said military historian and museum volunteer Alan Archambault. “While not military issue, the powder horns and flask suggest Mahon’s involvement in hunting, a vital skill for survival in the frontier environment.”
After leaving the Army in 1850, Private Mahon became a pioneer settler in what is now Parkland, Washington. His story is emblematic of the countless soldiers who transitioned from military service to civilian life, contributing to the growth and development of the state.
The Mahon family, including his wife Elizabeth, an Army laundress, and their children, played a significant role in the early history of Pierce County.
“The donation of these artifacts offers a unique opportunity to honor their legacy and connect with the thousands of military veterans who have called Pierce County home since that time,” Neary said.
The artifacts are on display during the fort’s regular open hours, 1 to 4 p.m. on first Sundays of the month. Tickets to tour all four buildings from the first U.S. Army post in Puget Sound are available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tour-historic-fort-steilacoom-museum-tickets-405453441157 Historic Fort Steilacoom in Lakewood, on the grounds of Western State Hospital. is the only ‘first fort’ of its kind to be managed entirely by private volunteers.
2nd annual Old-fashioned Independence Day Celebration is July 7
/in News/by fortsteilacoomFort Steilacoom’s 2nd annual Old-fashioned Independence Day Celebration and free open house will be noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 7.
Last year, people told us they appreciated a free, family-oriented event. So we’re doing it again, in honor of the 175th anniversary of our founding this year! View our historic U.S. Army post and see four of the oldest buildings still standing in Washington.
You’ll find:
You can see photos of last year’s fun here.
We’re on the grounds of Western State Hospital. The hospital’s front lawn was a parade ground for U.S. Civil War soldiers. Use the street address, 9601 Steilacoom Blvd SW to find us.