The point was named by Cmdr. Charles Wilkes, who stated that “This narrow pass was intended by nature for the defense of Puget Sound.” The name he selected reflects this idea. While Hudson’s Bay Company maintained posts and operations in this area, they referred to it as Point Ryan. The Tacoma city park at Point Defiance with its zoo, old growth forests and gardens is one of the premier public parks on the West Coast.
Point Defiance Park
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