For information about the book "Images of America: Lakewood" and about upcoming history-related events in Lakewood, click here.

Here's some great news about Fort Steilacoom in Lakewood, the oldest U.S. military presence in Washington Territory:

Thanks to a decade of education and lobbying by volunteers, the state agency that owns these four historic buildings in Lakewood should now have enough funds to repair their roofs. News Tribune columnist Peter Callaghan tells some of the story in a recent column. The board of directors of Historic Fort Steilacoom owes huge thanks to: - The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, for publicizing the buildings as among the most endangered historic sites in Washington. - The National Trust for Historic Preservation, for featuring the plight of the buildings in their national e-newsletter. - State Senator Mike Carrell, for tireless work to obtain funding in the state budget. - Numerous individuals in legislative offices, the governor's office, Western State Hospital and the Department of Social and Health Services, for their behind-the-scenes advocacy for local history. - And ... each and every one one of you who wrote the state and national lawmakers, pleading the cause of these buildings! They may not know it ...  but future generations of schoolchildren and others who tour these buildings and hear the stories of the soldiers, settlers, Chief Leschi and others owe you enormous gratitude.

From this ... to this ...

A view from the first week of repairs that will save the buildings. For an idea of where these buildings are located, click here. You can  click on either photo above to see a photograph of the entire building. Click here to learn the top 10 reasons that Fort Steilacoom is important to the history of Lakewood AND the state of Washington.

You can send your tax-deductible donation to: Historic Fort Steilacoom Association, P.O. Box 88447, Steilacoom, WA  98388 For more information about Fort Steilacoom, click here Keep track of Lakewood news by subscribing to Walter's newsletter

Lakewood History, P.O. Box 99702, Lakewood, WA 98499-0702