NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT: POINT DEFIANCE

The Military Beginning

Point Defiance has a rich and fascinating history. Much of its history began about the time military explorers such as William Henry McNeill and Charles Wilkes, as part of the United States Exploring Expedition, mapped the south Pacific. These explorers then traveled up to the Pacific Northwest. Wilkes saw the military advantage of the Point Defiance peninsula when he visited Fort Nisqually. He named appropriately because it because it was a point that would “bid defiance to any attack.” In 1841, Point Defiance became a military reservation.

Tacoma Takes the Point

Point Defiance remained a military reservation until 1888 when then President Grover Cleveland signed a bill granting Tacoma the 640 acres that is now Point Defiance Park. In 1899 construction of a zoo began. The first exhibit constructed was a bear pit. That little zoo developed into what is now today the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium and is one of Washington’s premier attractions. It is one of the few places that have a zoo and an aquarium on the same property. The park hosts more than three million visitors a year.

The Developing Park

Today, the park has areas to picnic, trails to hike with views of Vashon Island, Dalco Passage, Gig Harbor, and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. There is a five mile scenic road, beaches, a boardwalk, a boathouse, a rhododendron garden, forests, and the ferry terminal to Vashon Island. Diners can dine at the Anthony’s Restaurant next to the terminal and there is a bait shop where you can also rent boats. Boaters can find a marina and a boat launch as well, and walkers and runners can use the bridge to the walkway that leads to Point Ruston. Fort Nisqually, which was originally located in DuPont is now in Point Defiance Park, along with an off-leash dog park. 

Point Defiance Communities

For those who love this area, the communities of Ruston, Point Ruston, North Tacoma, and the West-end (Tacoma) are all nearby. These communities share a mix of older, turn of the century homes, along with mid-century and new construction. This is a wonderful community and close to shopping, entertainment, outdoor activities, and the Puget Sound.