Exploring 10 Abandoned Military Bases in WASHINGTON

hello and welcome to the ghost town Chronicles today we continue our exploration across the United States let's discover 10 abandoned military bases of Washington DC their history and the secrets they are hiding don't forget to leave a like And subscribe to help us continue making these series number one fort wardens Port townend Fort wardens located near Port Townsen in Washington state USA has a rich history a established in the late 19th century it was part of the triangle of fire a trio of forts designed to protect Puget Sound from potential Naval Invasion the fort was constructed in response to fears of a growing Naval threat from European and Asian Powers Fort wardens was activated in 1902 and its primary purpose was coastal defense it was equipped with massive artillery guns capable of firing large shells to defend against ships however the anti anticipated Naval attacks never materialized and as Naval technology evolved the fort's big guns became obsolete after serving as an active military base for several decades Fort warden's role shifted during and after World War II it served various functions including a training center for the US Army and a venue for military exercises the fort was officially decommissioned in the 1950s as the need for coastal defense installations diminished the transition to abandonment wasn't immediate but the decline in military use led to its eventual decommission number two Fort Casey would be island like Fort wardens it was also part of the triangle of fire a Strategic Defense System for Puget Sound established in response to fears of Maritime attacks in the late 19th and early 20th centuries constructed in the 1890s Fort Casey was primarily designed for SE Co defense it was equipped with large artillery guns capable of deterring potential Naval threats the fort played a crucial role during both world wars serving as a training ground for soldiers and a defense post however advancements in military technology particularly in air Warfare and long-range Naval capabilities rendered the fort's large Coastal artillery increasingly obsolete this shift was a common theme among such coastal defense installations across the United States after World War II Fort Casey's importance as a military site diminished it was officially deactivated in the 1950s following a similar trajectory to other forts in the region today Fort Casey has been transformed into a state park preserving its historical structures including the impressive artillery guns number three Northern State hospital saided willly opened in 1912 it was designed as a state-of-art fac facility for the treatment of individuals with mental illnesses the hospital was part of a progressive movement in mental health care that emphasized treatment and Rehabilitation it housed many soldiers during its active years the hospital was built on a large self-sufficient campus with facilities for farming Dairy operation and other activities that provided both therapy and sustenance for the patients this approach was considered Innovative at the time as it combined occupational therapy with self-sufficiency at its peak Northern State Hospital housed a large number of patients and was one of the largest institutions of its kind in the region however by the mid 20th century the approach to Mental Health Care began to change the emphasis shifted from large institutional settings to smaller community-based facilities and outpatient care this transition was driven by new psychiatric medications and a growing awareness of the importance of integrating patients into the community due to these changes in mental health care philosophy and practice the hospital experienced a decline in patient numbers eventually it was closed in 1973 following its closure the hospital's buildings and grounds fell into disuse and abandonment today the Northern State Hospital campus is partially used as a recreation area and also hosts the job core and a drug rehabilitation center some of the hospitals buildings and the surrounding land are part of the Northern State Recreation Area offering hiking trails and open space for public use number four Fort Flagler marrowstone Island another historic military installation that was part of the triangle of fire established in 1897 Fort Flagler along with forts wardens and Casey formed a Strategic Defense System against potential Seaborn threats the primary purpose of Fort Flagler was coastal defense equipped with with large artillery guns it was strategically positioned to deter and if necessary engage enemy Naval forces attempting to access Puget Sound these guns were massive and designed to protect against battleships of the era throughout its operational years Fort Flagler played a crucial role in both world wars it served as a training ground and a defensive post preparing military personnel for various aspects of warfare like its counterparts Fort Flagler saw changes in military technology and tactics that eventually made its large Coastal guns obsolete after World War II the importance of coastal defense forts like Flagler diminished advances in air power and changes in military strategy reduced the need for such installations Fort Flagler was officially deactivated in the 1950s as part of a broader trend of decommissioning coastal defense sites today Fort Flagler has been repurposed as a state park it offers a mix of recreational activities historical tours and natural beauty number five Camp Lewis Tacoma this military base can only be considered partially abandoned considering its merging with the adjacent mcord Air Force Base established in 1917 during World War I camp Lewis was named after marowa Lewis of the Lewis and Clark expedition the camp was initially used as a training and mobilization Center for troops it played a significant role during both world wars serving as a key Training ground for soldiers in these early years it was one of the largest military reservations in the country during World War II Camp Lewis continued to expand and played a vital role in the war effort postwar it remained an active military installation adapting to the changing needs and strategies of the US Army in the latter part of the 20th century the base underwent several changes reflecting the evolving nature of the US military significant developments included the merging with the adjacent McCord Air Force Base in 2010 leading to its current designation as Joint Base Lewis McCord this merger was part of a nationwide effort to streamline military installations and improve efficiency today JBLM is a major active duty military installation encompassing both Army and Air Force units it serves as a hub from military operations in the Pacific Northwest and plays a key role in various military capacities including training deployment and logistical support the base is home to tens of thousands of military personnel and their families number six Fort Colombia shinuk this fort like others in the region was established to protect the mouth of the Colombia River constructed between 1896 and 1904 Fort Columbia was one of of three forts guarding the Columbia River's entrance the others being Fort Stevens in Oregon and Fort Kenby in Washington these forts formed a Strategic Defense line to prevent enemy ships from entering the river which was a vital transportation and economic route Fort Columbia was equipped with several big guns and mortars positioned to control the river approach during its operational years the fort was an active military post with soldiers and Personnel stationed there to maintain an operate the defensive systems despite its strategic importance Fort Colombia never engaged in battle the fortification was primarily a deterrent part of the broader network of coastal defenses that became less relevant with the advancement of military technology particularly air power and long- range Naval artillery the fort was officially deactivated in 1947 following the end of World War II as the military shifted Focus from fixed Coastal defenses to more mobile and versatile systems after the activation the fort's buildings and lands were transferred to the state of Washington today Fort Columbia has been preserved as a state park visitors can explore historic gun batteries barracks and officers quarters which provide a glimpse into the early 20th century military life number seven Fort cambi the fort was another key component of the coastal defense system in the Pacific Northwest named after General Edward Canby a US Army Officer the fort was established in the late 19th century to protect the important River entrance from potential Naval threats constructed around the same time as its counterparts forts Columbia and Stevens Fort Candi was integral to the defense of the Columbia river which was a crucial economic and strategic region the fort was equipped with artillery batteries designed to thwart Seaborn invasions during its operational years fort can be served as a coastal defense installation with soldiers stationed there to operate and maintain its defensive armaments like many Coastal forts of this era it was built in response to the perceived threat of foreign Naval power but never saw actual combat with the Advent of more advanced military technology particularly after World War II the role of traditional Coastal fortifications like Fort can be diminished the fort was eventually decommissioned in the mid 20th century as the United States military shifted towards more modern forms of coastal defense today the area where Fort candy was located as part of cap disappointment State Park number eight Fort eie Whidby Island unlike the older forts built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as part of the indicot and Taff coastal defense programs Fort eie was constructed later reflecting the evolving military needs and Technologies of the time the the primary purpose of Fort ebi was to protect Puget Sound particularly the naval installations at Bremerton from potential enemy Naval and air attacks during World War II the Ford was equipped with large guns and other military installations designed to defend against Seaborn and Airborne threats Fort EB's strategic importance stemed from its location which provided a commanding view of the straight of wand Def fuka and the approaches to Puget Sound this made it a key part of the Region's defensive Network during the war after World War II with the changing nature of military threats and Technology the need for traditional coastal defense forts like ebi decreased Fort ebi was eventually decommissioned and its military role ceased in the postwar years the site of Fort ebbi was repurposed for public use today it is part of Fort ebbi State Park a popular recreational area number nine Sand Point Naval Air Station Seattle established in the 1920s the station initially served as a base for sea planes with its strategic location on Lake Washington making it ideal for such operations throughout its operational years Sandpoint Naval Air Station played various roles in the Navy's Aviation activities it served as a key site for SE plane operations pilot training and aircraft maintenance during World War II the station became particularly important EXP expanding its facilities and increasing its activities to support the war effort it was used for assembling and repairing aircraft as well as training pilots and air crew after World War II the station continued to serve as an aviation facility adapting to changes in Naval Aviation Technology and needs however by the latter part of the 20th century advances in aircraft technology and shifts in military strategy led to a decrease in the station's role the Sandpoint Naval Air Station was officially decommissioned in the 1970s with its Aviation activities winding down and the property eventually being turned over to the city of Seattle since its decommissioning the site has been repurposed for civilian use and is now known as Magnuson Park number 10 Fort Ward Banbridge Island part of the broader network of military installations designed to protect Puget Sound Fort Ward was specifically aimed at defending against potential Naval threats constructed prior to World War I Fort Ward was equipped with gun batteries for coastal defense its strategic position allowed for control and protection of the rich passage a key Maritime approach to the bton Naval Shipyard and the Puget Sound Naval Yard the fort's armaments were intended to deter and if necessary engage enemy ships attempting to penetrate into Puget Sound during World War II Fort Ward's role expanded it became an important an Communication Center particularly for radio intelligence the fort was involved in intercepting and deciphering enemy Communications playing a crucial role in the Pacific Theaters intelligence operations following the war with advancements in military technology and changes in defense strategy the need for traditional coastal defense installations like Fort Ward decreased the fort was eventually decommissioned and its military use was phased out today the site of Fort Ward is a public park known as Fort Ward Park make sure to check our video on 10 abandoned military bases in California please leave a like And subscribe to the channel if you enjoyed the video see you next time for more ghost town Chronicles

Channel: Ghost Town Chronicles

Views: 6,143

Keywords: Ghost towns, Abandoned villages, Forgotten communities, Eerie remains, Deserted streets, Crumbling architecture, History, Mystery, Exploring the past, Urban exploration, Abandoned buildings, Ruins, Ghostly legends, Haunting memories., Decay, Rustic charm, Silent witness, Abandoned attractions, Forgotten landmarks, Nostalgia, Abandoned history, Ghost stories, Desolate landscapes, military base, usa, united states, america, top 10, top, top 5, urbex, abandoned washington, washington

Id: mFX-zQuWUo4

Length: 15min 2sec (902 seconds)

Published: Fri Dec 22 2023