Battery Russell

Although the continental United States hasn't been attacked by a foreign adversary since the early years of the republic, the nation's military has been prepared. From the Civil War until shortly after World War II, Fort Stevens helped defend our borders; along with Forts Canby and Columbia in Washington, the artillery of Fort Stevens guarded the mouth of the Columbia River.

Besides, strictly speaking, the U.S. has been attacked since 1812, and right here at Fort Stevens. In 1942 a Japanese submarine shelled the fort, making it the only military installation in the lower 48 states to be fired upon since the War of 1812.

Pictured is what remains of the concrete bunkers and gun batteries.