Fort Worden - officer and gentleman

Fort Worden

Fort Worden is located just a few minutes from Port Townsend, in the northeast Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.  It was the site of an Army Base from 1902 to 1953, and is included on the National Register of Historic Places.  It's also the location for the famous 1982 movie “An Officer and Gentleman”, starring Richard Gere and Debra Winger. 

To get to Fort Worden from Seattle, take the Bainbridge Island Ferry from downtown, followed by a 1-hour drive up to Fort Worden.

History of Fort Worden

Ft Worden was established as part of the “Ring of Fire” in the early 20^th century, to guard the entrance to Puget Sound.  The Ring of Fire consisted of Fort Worden, Fort Casey, and Fort Flagler, and had the combined weaponry of 100 canons.  Yet no cannons were ever fired outside of practice sessions.

The first troops arrived at Fort Worden in 1902, and construction of the permanent post buildings occurred from 1904-1910.  Fort Worden’s expansive parade grounds are flanked by the elegant gray houses of Officer’s Row on one side, and colonial-style Army Barracks on the other.   There are a range of other fascinating buildings, including the Guardhouse, Alexander’s Castle, and the Balloon Hangar.  Yet the true highlight is the extensive network of batteries on Artillery Hill in the bluff behind the buildings. 

Things to do at Fort Worden State Park

There are a range of activities at Fort Worden:

1. Visit the Coast Artillery Museum in Building 201 at the Parade Grounds.  Check opening times.
2. Visit the Commanding Officer’s Quarters House at the head of Officer’s Row on 200 Battery Way on the Parade Grounds.  Wander through three levels of the house, and experience what life was like for an Officer and their family.  Check opening times.
3. Walk 10 minutes up to Artillery Hill to explore the tunnels and walkways of eight different concrete batteries; including Battery Ash, Quarles, Randol, Tolles, Walker, Powell and Brannon.  Stop to admire the incredible views of Puget Sound from the bluff at Battery Tolles.  Your best photo opportunity is at the Point Wilson Lighthouse Overlook, near Battery Ash.
4. Take a walking tour of the other buildings on the Army Base.  Maps can be obtained at the Coast Artillery Museum.
5. Drive out to the beach at Point Wilson and explore Battery Kinzie and Battery Vicars.  Take a stroll along the beach to see the Point Wilson Lighthouse.
6. Visit the Marine Science Center near the lower campground.  Check opening times.

Tips

• Don’t forget to bring a flashlight for exploring the battery tunnels.  Your kids will love it!
• Credit cards aren’t always accepted at the museums, so bring cash or check.
• Check opening times before leaving.  Some attractions are closed during winter.

An Officer and a Gentleman – location of movie scenes

Fort Worden features numerous locations from the popular 1982 movie an Officer and a Gentleman.  Most of these locations are relatively unchanged from 30 years ago and include:

• Graduation scene on porch of building 204
• Haircut scene on ramp of building 203
• Fight scene in balloon hangar (McCurdy Pavilion)
• Dance scene in USO Building 326
• Jogging scene along the beach near Point Wilson Lighthouse
• Training scene on Battery Kinzie – where Richard Gere says “I got no where else to go”

Travel a few minutes to Port Townsend to find other interesting locations, including:

• Motel scenes at Tides Motel (1807 Water Street).  Remodeled, but original section is still there.
• Bar scene  at Water Street Brewery (639 Water Street)

Performing Arts at Fort Worden

For the last 3 decades Fort Worden has been home to Centrum, a non-profit arts organization supporting residencies and workshops for singers, musicians and dancers from around the world.  A diverse range of performances are open to the public.  Check the calendar for performance times.

Accommodation at Fort Worden

• Camping is available at the lower and upper campgrounds.  The lower campgrounds are by the water and have much better views.  Make a reservation.
• Overnight accommodations are also available on grounds at the Officer’s Quarters, Alexander’s Castle, one-room houses, and dormitories.   Make a reservation.
• Or stay at the charming seaport town of Port Townsend just a few minutes away!

Things to do near Fort Worden

• Port Townsend  - 1 mile south
• Dungeness Spit - Sequim - 39 miles west
• Olympic Game Farm - 38 miles west
• Hurricane Ridge - 66 miles southwest
• Lake Crescent - 66 miles west
• Port Gamble - 29 miles south