Historic Fort Steilacoom Book Sale Fundrasier & US Civil War Encampment

The proceeds of the book sale will support care of four 165-year-old buildings that represent the first U.S. Army presence in Puget Sound starting in 1849. Fort Steilacoom in Lakewood is one of two U.S. Civil War sites in Washington State.

As a bonus you can step back in time as the 20th Maine re-enactors bring the Civil War era to life with their authentic encampment and drills in the uniforms of the period. Experience the magic of history firsthand. Members of the 20th Maine dedicate their time to the memory of those who served and seek to dress, drill and do what they can to live as close to a soldier’s life as they can.

Historic Fort Steilacoom is located along the front lawn of Western State Hospital at 9601 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood. If you were standing in front of the front door of Western State, the fort is behind you. That front lawn was a parade ground for U.S,. Army soldiers from 1849 to 1868. Be sure to use this address to find the fort or you could end up in the nearby park or college campus, which both have the fort’s name.

2024 is the 175th anniversary of the U.S. Army’s first presence in Puget Sound.