Historic District Loop Tour - 1.1 miles

Fort Lawton's Post Chapel - 1942

We will start our tour here, at Fort Lawton's Post Chapel. Built in 1942 this chapel was built in traditional religious vernacular style, resembling hundreds of similarly-designed chapels that were built on Army posts through the U.S at this time. It is the only other building, aside from the bus shelter, that remains from the World War II era. The military frequently used the chapel until 1974, when it was subsequently acquired by the city. Today, it is a designated landmark by the City of Seattle because of its historical association with the fort during World War II. Thanks to protestors, the chapel remains, however removal of the chapel has been suggested.

Our next stop will be the big yellow houses to the East.

Officers' Row on Washington Avenue -

The big yellow houses you see were once home to the highest ranking military officials, hence its name "Officer’s Row". These houses were constructed between 1899-1904, and were originally bright red. Officials remained in these homes until 1973, and now these historic houses are private homes. Notice how the street is named Washington Ave; all of the surrounding streets are also named after different US states. This was intentional, to give active duty members a sense of home while fighting wars.

Continue down Washington Ave until you hit the wire fence and look up.

FAA Radar Tower - 1959

Do you notice that giant " golf ball " towering above you? Built in 1958 by the FAA, it is an Air Route Surveillance Radar or ARSR facility. Other adjacent towers for Nike/Ajax missile Air Defense system were built by the Air Force circa 1960 and decommissioned in 1963. The FAA's mission of monitoring all commercial and military air travel in the Puget Sound region continues today.

Head left around the FAA Radar and walk towards the flagpole.

Parade Grounds and Silent Sentinels

As you make your way to the flagpole, take a moment to look at the expansive parade grounds to your left and then further across Puget Sound to the Olympic Mountains.

These parade grounds lie at the heart of the Landmark District and has seven buildings surrounding it. These buildings were constructed between 1902 and 1908; they are city owned and purposefully remain as "silent sentinels" respectfully honoring the military history of Fort Lawton while adhering to the  Discovery Park Master Plan  to "provide an open space of quiet and tranquility". The exteriors of these buildings are maintained.

In the early stages of establishing the military base, hundreds of acres of forest and ecosystem were cleared to create areas like this parade ground. Due to much military inactivity, the Fort was open to parades and military-style play.

Head for the large flag pole ahead.

Flagpole - 1946

The flagpole you see is located at the Henry M. Jackson viewpoint. The flagpole was erected in 1946 and is located in front of and halfway between the administration building and officers row. "It was through his [Henry M. Jackson] efforts and vision as United States senator that this magnificent park became a reality. Because of him, surplus federal lands were used to create not only this park, but countless others throughout the land. The vista which spreads before you is symbolic of the vision which brought this park in to being 1984" - Jack W. Jaunal

Continue straight towards the yellow and white building.

Administration Building - est. 1902

The administration building was completed in 1902 at a cost of $4,007. The building is one of the original structures in  Colonial Revival  style and is placed for a commanding view of Puget Sound, the Olympic mountains, and the parade ground.

Continue downwards to along the path to the yellow bus station.

Bus Shelter - 1941

The Bus Shelter (Building #619) was constructed in the early 1940s. The Bus Shelter has been there ever since, but isn't operational. During WWII the bus shelter was the place where new soldiers would arrive.

An interesting fact about Fort Lawton is that in 1938 the US Army offered all of Fort Lawton to the City of Seattle as a park for the cost of $1. The City Council declined because they was unsure whether the City could bear the cost of maintenance.

Continue along the path to the next building.

Post Exchange/Gymnasium - est. 1905

Fort Lawton’s buildings were constructed by the US Army Quartermaster Corps according to standardized plans used on military bases throughout the country. Previously, the row upon which you are walking was occupied by other military buildings (some of which you can see the outlines of on Google Maps). However, most of the buildings besides the ones you see have been torn down in an effort to restore the area back to its original ecosystem.

Continue along the path until you reach the chapel. Walk around the left side of the chapel.

Freedom Grove - 1951

At the start of the tour, you may have noticed this plaque. We want to end our tour here to leave you honoring all those who perished serving our country. The Korean War brought lots of activity as troops, heading to or returning from Korea, were processed through here. Many troops, however, were not lucky enough to return home; 33,741 Americans were killed in action and 103,284 were wounded. On Memorial Day 1951, a Freedom Grove of trees honoring veterans was placed near the Post Chapel.

Make your way back down to the South Parking lot.