History Pub – Why Fort Steilacoom Disappeared Between 1868 and 1978 presented by Walter Neary

In 1849, the US Army established Fort Steilacoom, the first military fort in Puget Sound. The fort was a base of operations for the Puget Sound Treaty War of 1855-1856 and an important bastion during the US Civil War. Fort Steilacoom was closed in 1868 and became Western State Hospital, a mental health facility, at the time referred to as an “insane asylum.” The original history of the fort was nearly forgotten.  

Fort Steilacoom Museum opened in the 1980s in an effort to restore and preserve the historic site. Walter Neary will present the history of Fort Steilacoom, describe how local history is often rewritten, and explain how volunteers in the historic preservation community keep these stories alive.

Walter Neary is the former president of the Historic Fort Steilacoom Association. He has portrayed historic characters for the Tacoma Living History Cemetery Tour and Fort Nisqually’s Candlelight Tour, as well as at Fort Steilacoom. Walter has a background as a journalist, newspaper editor, and historic preservation board member, among other careers.