Interpretation and history at Fort Casey

History

In 1858, the U.S. government purchased ten acres of land costing $400 for the construction of Admiralty Head Lighthouse. In 1890, the army took over the premises. It named its garrison "Fort Casey" in honor of Brigadier General Thomas Lincoln Casey, the last U.S. Army chief of engineers. At that time, Fort Casey, in union with Fort Worden and Fort Flagler, was said to comprise a "triangle of fire" guarding the entrance to Puget Sound.

When the fort was constructed, the old lighthouse had to be moved. A new lighthouse was built on the present site in 1903. Today the Admiralty Head Lighthouse at Fort Casey serves as a historic landmark and interpretive center. The park was incorporated into Ebey's Landing National Historic Reserve in 1980.

In Aug. 2012, a newly constructed and historically accurate lantern house was installed at Admiralty Head Lighthouse. A result of years of community partnerships and student volunteer work from three Whidbey Island high schools, the lantern house was dedicated in Sept. 2012.

Interpretive opportunities

Interpretive panels in Admiralty Head Lighthouse tell the history of the area around Fort Casey State Park. The story begins with a brief cultural history about the Native American nations from the area, and then leads the reader forwarded through time to the first pioneer settlers, the building of the Red Bluff Lighthouse and the construction of Fort Casey.

Guided tours of historic gun batteries: From May 24 through Sept. 2, volunteers with the Fort Casey Volunteer Battalion lead guided tours of the gun batteries at Fort Casey State Park. The 45-minute tours are at 2:30 pm, Friday through Sunday. Meet at the kiosk between Battery Worth and the parking lot. Tours also are offered on Thursday, July 4 at 1 and 2:30 pm and Monday, Sept. 2 at 1 and 2:30 pm. For more information, call (360) 678-4519.