If you’re a fan of military history and love a touch of the eerie, Fort Stevens State Park in Oregon is a must-visit. This sprawling 4,300-acre park was once a bustling military base and now gives a unique opportunity to explore the decaying structures of Fort Stevens and uncover the tales of its past.
If you love creepy content, Only In Your State’s Vacant series – which partners with talented photographer Johnny Joo – explores a dozen other fascinating abandoned places just waiting to be discovered.
Editor’s Note: Due to the nature of abandoned destinations, many of the places featured in this series are off-limits to visitors or have actually been demolished. We do not condone trespassing and other illegal activity but rather encourage readers to enjoy learning about these fascinating destinations.
During the Civil War, Fort Stevens was built to protect the Columbia River from potential British attacks, showing the Union's commitment to defending the coast. Despite not being involved in any battles, the fort remained on high alert during the war. Its importance continued even after the conflict as it adapted to changing military needs and advancements in technology.
In the late 1800s, the fort was upgraded as part of a nationwide project. New buildings and better weapons were added, turning Fort Stevens from a simple defense site into a crucial part of the U.S. coastal defense system, equipped to handle the threats of that era.
During World War II, the fort was actually attacked by a Japanese submarine. This was a significant event because it was the only time during the war that an enemy attacked a location in the continental United States. While the attack didn't cause much damage, it was a frightening moment for the country.
After World War II, the fort was no longer needed due to advancements in military technology. As a result, it was closed and transformed into a state park. Today, it's a fascinating historical site to explore and enjoy outdoor activities.
There are lots of things to do at the park, like exploring the old fort, walking on trails, playing disc golf, and swimming in Coffenbury Lake. You can also camp in tents or RVs, and the campground has been updated recently to make it even nicer.
Fort Stevens State Park is such a unique place, and thanks to Oregon State Parks, we're fortunate to have the opportunity to see historical Fort Stevens up close. It's a dream come true for every fan of spooky experiences!
Have you ever visited Fort Stevens? Find out more about it and how you can tour the underground gun battery, visit the military museum, and explore the Civil War-era earthen fort by visiting the Fort Stevens State Park website.
Are there any creepy abandoned places in Oregon that you think I should know about? Let me know! I'd love to hear about any abandoned hospitals, houses, ghost towns, or anything else that's scary. And if you are looking for more one-of-a-kind adventures, then you have to visit these 10 creepy ghost towns in Oregon.
We'd like to give special thanks to Cleveland-based photographer Johnny Joo of Odd World Studio for the photos used in this article. To discover more creepy and abandoned places, check out his website, Architectural Afterlife.
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