LOCATION:
This 1850 version of Fort Lewis was
built on a slope, which now overlooks a residential neighborhood in the
town of Fort Lewis.
DESCRIPTION:
The grounds and remaining
buildings are a museum. Several white, wooden structures of this old fort
are in pretty good shape. HISTORY:
The current Fort Lewis, which exists
today, several blocks over from this original fort, was built and occupied
by military personnel in 1919. This older version of Fort Lewis was built
around 1850, with the idea of helping to keep the peace between the existing
native American population and the new settlers who had arrived via the
Oregon Trail. It was a noble idea, but was a very contentious job. In
1855, the government wanted to end the troubles, and open up more of the
land for settlement for people coming West. Indians either signed the
treaty and went to live on reservations, or went to war, eventually losing
and then signing the treaty in 1858. This Fort Lewis became inactive with
the living, though some entities continued to serve there, as they do
today.
HISTORY OF MANIFESTATIONS:
People forced from their land are
not happy campers. Other people have a hard time letting go of their duties
they were responsible for on this earth, and aren't ready for whatever
reason to pass on to the other side.
MANIFESTATIONS:
1) Within the remaining buildings,
objects from displays are moved around the place by unseen entities.
2) Footsteps are heard when no one
else is in the building; some entity going about his/her business.
3) An impression of soldiers marching
around the large grassy areas is heard by employees when it is still
and quiet.
It is said that forests and trees
around the old Fort and the current Fort Lewis are haunted by the spirits
of Indian warriors, and other restless Indian entities, perhaps still
upset about losing their land, or that the fact that buildings were built
on their sacred land.
STILL HAUNTED?
Don't know for sure, but probably
so, though no paranormal investigation has been gathered to prove one
way or another. The evidence comes from first hand accounts of the people
who have worked there. Also, Washington State Ghost Society has reported
that the woods of Fort Lewis are haunted, though they haven't provided
any readings/pictures to the public on their web-site.
Tom and I visited the outside of this
old Fort, which was closed at the time. Historical information was provided
on a plaque found outside in their parking lot.
Sources Include: thingstodo.com * washingtonstateghostsociety.org |
