If you’re a local history buff, you probably already know that Steilacoom is the oldest town in Washington, dating back to 1854. And Fort Steilacoom’s history goes back even farther — it was established in 1849. Some of the remaining structures have been preserved, and you can still visit.

Located at 9601 Steilacoom Blvd. SW in Lakewood, this area was originally a homesteader's farm in 1844 before it became Fort Steilacoom in 1849.
Bethany Weeks / Flickr
The fort was established both project American power and secure American interest in the Puget Sound Region of what was then the Oregon Territory.
By 1853, Fort Steilacoom was a part of the Department of the Pacific and the brand new Washington Territory.
pfly / TripAdvisor
In 1859, the fort was nearly emptied of all of its troops as a result of the so-called Pig War, boundary dispute involving the San Juan Islands.
In 1868, the government purchased it for use, promptly building the psychiatric hospital known as Western State Hospital.
Harold Mayo / Flickr
The property's days as a military fort were now over.

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Originally known as Fort Steilacoom Asylum in 1871, it was renamed Western Washington Hospital for the Insane before finally being named Western State Hospital.
Wikipedia
The hospital was riddled with controversies and rumors, also dealing with understaffing.
Many of the old Western State Hospital buildings remain standing.
Bethany Weeks / Flickr
The hospital is still operating, and it's still a controversial place. In 2016, the governor fired Western State Hospital's Chief Executive Officer at the time after a series of involuntarily committed patients escaped.
These days, you can visit historic Fort Steilacoom on the first Sunday of the month from 1-4 p.m.
Ron McDonald / Flickr
In the summertime, the fort is open every Sunday.

It’s fascinating to learn about our local history here in Washington. How many of these historic gems have you visited?

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