Fort Flagler Washington Firing Guns for Vice President, Barracks and Main Street Real Photo Postcard

Fort Flagler, established in 1897 on Marrowstone Island at the entrance to Admiralty Inlet, was a vital component of the United States' coastal defense system for Puget Sound. This postcard, dated November 2, 1912, captures a detachment from the 76th Company, Coast Artillery Corps (CAC), executing a 19-gun salute at noon. Such formal artillery salutes were customary honors extended to high-ranking officials, including the Vice President, reflecting the strict military protocols and ceremonial duties performed at strategic installations of the era.