Fort Steven's State Park, Near Astoria, Oregon And Historic Area and Military Museum

19. Fun on the Beach

Over 100 years ago, young soldiers dressed in Union blue stood watch over Fort Stevens at the mouth of the Columbia River. Originally commissioned as a Civil War fortification in 1863, Fort Stevens was deactivated as a military fort shortly after World War II. It is now an Oregon State Park. Its museum features military artifacts, guided tours, interpretive displays, movies, and living history demonstrations.

Fort Steven's enjoys the distinction of being the only military installation in the continental United States to be fired on since the War of 1812. On the night of June 21, 1942, the Fort was the target of a Japanese submarine that fired 17 shells in the vicinity of the Fort. The shelling caused no damage and Fort Steven's did not return fire to avoid the Japanese from knowing the location of the guns. How ridiculous!

Visitors can explore the abandoned gun batteries and climb to the nearby commander's station for a scenic view of the Columbia River and South Jetty. During the summer, there are guided walking tours of the underground Battery Mishler and tours of the entire complex aboard a 2-1/2 ton U.S. Army truck.