This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

History is Alive in Lakewood on Saturday

The Fort Steilacoom Museum event at the Western State Hospital property will show life as it was in a free event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fort Steilacoom, located on what is now Western State Hospital, is not just a collection of things protected under glass. An event this weekend will bring early military life to the modern age.

The fort was constructed in 1849. That early date makes it not only the first formal presence of the United State government north of the Columbia River but also means it was an engine that fueled the growing economy of American settlers and traders. It brought hard currency, a legal system and settlement legitimacy in what was British territory at the time.

That role will be on display Saturday, Sept. 17, when reenactors will present a “living history” walk through of the remaining four original buildings. Visitors will see soldiers, officers, their wives, children and area settlers play out their lives as if it was 1856, the high point of the fort’s operations. Visitors will walk back into history as soldiers debate the merits of the looming Civil War, relations with Native Americans, the British neighbors at nearby Fort Nisqually and living military life on the frontier. The event is one of a handful of times during the year when reenactors gather to showcase the fort to the public outside of the regular museum hours. The free event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations accepted.

Find out what's happening in Lakewood-JBLMwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Lakewood-JBLM