History of Vancouver An Overview of Vancouver's History For thousands of years, the Vancouver area was home to native people who flourished on the bounty of forest and river.
In May, 1792, American trader/sailor Robert Gray became the first non-native to enter the fabled "Great River of the West," the Columbia River. Later that year, British Lt. William Broughton, serving under Capt. George Vancouver, explored 100 miles upriver. Along the way, he named a point of land along the shore in honor of his commander.
In 1806, American explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark camped near the Vancouver waterfront on the return leg of their famed western expedition. Lewis characterized the area as "the only desired situation for settlement west of the Rocky Mountains."
In 1825, Dr. John McLoughlin decided to move the northwest headquarters of the Hudson´s Bay Company from Astoria to a more favorable setting upriver. He named the site after Point Vancouver on Broughton´s original map. Fort Vancouver was thus born.
For many years, Fort Vancouver was the center of all fur trading in the Pacific Northwest. It was also a center of British dominion over the Oregon Territory. In 1846, American control was extended north to the 49th parallel. The northwest became part of the United States.
In 1849, American troops arrived to establish Columbia (later Vancouver) Barracks. It served as military headquarters for much of the Pacific Northwest. The neighboring settlement was named "the City of Columbia."
Finally, in 1857, the City of Vancouver was incorporated. Through the rest of the century, Vancouver steadily developed. In 1908, the first rail line east through the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge reached Vancouver. In 1910, a railroad bridge was opened south across the Columbia. In 1917, the Interstate Bridge was completed.
During World War I, the site later named Pearson Field was the location of the world's largest spruce cut-up mill. It cut raw timber into the lumber used to build the planes which helped win the war in Europe. During World War II, Vancouver´s Kaiser Shipyard built a variety of craft that contributed greatly to America´s war effort.
Today, Vancouver is a community proud of its past with a keen eye toward a future rich with promise.
Historic Facts From its long and colorful history, Vancouver boasts these many special distinctions:
*Headquarters of Hudson's Bay Company (established 1825) *Oldest permanent non-native settlement in Pacific Northwest (1825) *Oldest living apple tree in Pacific Northwest (planted 1826) *First sawmill in Pacific Northwest (1827) *Oldest public square in Pacific Northwest (Esther Short Park, 1855)
*Notable soldiers who served at Vancouver Barracks: *Gen. Ulysses S. Grant *Gen. George McClellan *Gen. Philip Sheridan *Gen. O.O. Howard *Gen. George C. Marshall
One of the oldest continuously operated airports in the country (Pearson Field, 1905-present)
World´s largest spruce lumber mill for airplane construction during World War I Pearson Field, landing site of first transpolar flight (Soviet, 1937)
Major shipbuilding center during World War II
Vancouver honored with "All-America City" distinction (1957 and 1989
Population in July 2008: 163,186. Population change since 2000: +13.7%
Estimated median household income in 2007: $47,989 (it was $41,618 in 2000)
Vancouver:
$47,989
Washington:
$55,591
Estimated per capita income in 2007: $26,584
Vancouver:
$26,584
Washington:
$29,027
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $249,600 (it was $140,800 in 2000)
Vancouver:
$249,600
Washington:
$300,800
Mean prices in 2007: All housing units: $290,283; Detached houses: $304,638; Townhouses or other attached units: $266,221; In 2-unit structures: $213,532; In 3-to-4-unit structures: $254,905; In 5-or-more-unit structures: $353,879; Mobile homes: $43,940
Median gross rent in 2007: $787. Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2007: 12.8%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with mortgages in 2007: $2,306 (0.9%) Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with no mortgage in 2007: $2,315 (0.9%)
Nearest city with pop. 200,000+: Portland, OR (7.9 miles , pop. 529,121).
Nearest city with pop. 1,000,000+: Los Angeles, CA (829.3 miles , pop. 3,694,820).
Vancouver-area historical earthquake activity is significantly above Washington state average. It is 512% greater than the overall U.S. average.
On 3/25/1993 at 13:34:35, a magnitude 5.7 (5.5 MB, 5.4 MS, 5.6 MW, 5.7 ML, Depth: 12.8 mi, Class: Moderate, Intensity: VI - VII) earthquake occurred 39.6 miles away from Vancouver center On 2/14/1981 at 06:09:27, a magnitude 5.5 (5.1 MB, 4.8 MS, 5.5 ML) earthquake occurred 62.4 miles away from the city center On 6/29/2002 at 14:36:04, a magnitude 4.5 (4.0 MB, 4.5 MD, Depth: 3.9 mi, Class: Light, Intensity: IV - V) earthquake occurred 49.0 miles away from the city center On 10/8/2006 at 02:48:26, a magnitude 4.7 (4.7 MB, 4.3 MW, 4.5 MD, Depth: 2.4 mi) earthquake occurred 96.8 miles away from Vancouver center On 4/24/2003 at 19:26:30, a magnitude 3.9 (3.9 MD, Depth: 10.9 mi, Class: Light, Intensity: II - III) earthquake occurred 7.0 miles away from the city center On 7/14/2008 at 18:45:55, a magnitude 4.2 (3.8 MB, 3.8 MW, 4.2 MD, Depth: 13.0 mi) earthquake occurred 87.6 miles away from Vancouver center Magnitude types: body-wave magnitude (MB), duration magnitude (MD), local magnitude (ML), surface-wave magnitude (MS), moment magnitude (MW)
Birthplace of: Brett Pierce - 2005 NFL player (Dallas Cowboys, born: Jan 7, 1981), Greg Biffle - Nextel Cup series NASCAR driver (born: Dec 23, 1969), Rian Lindell - 2005 NFL player (Buffalo Bills, born: Jan 20, 1977), Brandon Johnson - College basketball player (Boise State Broncos), Cody Salee - College football player (Portland State Vikings), Derek Raivio - College basketball player (Gonzaga Bulldogs), Kyle Miller - College football player (Portland State Vikings), Sean Smith - College basketball player (Portland Pilots), Terry Nashif - College basketball player (BYU Cougars).
Main business address for: NAUTILUS, INC. ([3949]), RIVERVIEW BANCORP INC (SAVINGS INSTITUTION, FEDERALLY CHARTERED), WESTERN POWER & EQUIPMENT CORP (WHOLESALE-CONSTRUCTION & MINING (NO PETRO) MACHINERY & EQUIP).
Hospital/medical center in Vancouver:
S W WASHINGTON MEDICAL CENTER (600 NE 92ND AVENUE, P O BOX 1600)
Other hospitals/medical centers near Vancouver:
WOODLAND PARK HOSPITAL (about 6 miles; PORTLAND, OR)
PROVIDENCE PORTLAND MEDICAL CENTER (about 7 miles; PORTLAND, OR)
FORT VANCOUVER REGIONAL (Operating income: $12,795,631; Location: 1007 E. MILL PLAIN BLVD; 711,293 books; 18,120 audio materials; 18,593 video materials; 2,139 serial subscriptions)
User submitted facts and corrections:
Gaiser Middle School is at 3000 NE 99th Street Vancouver, WA 98665
Hi! You show that Skinner Montessori is on Evergreen Blvd in Vancouver. They moved three years ago to 66th Street near the Van Mall. Here's their URL: http://www.skinnermontessori.com
Please add the following institutions for Vancouver, WA . Washington State University Vancouver, http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/, 14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue Vancouver, WA 98686-9600 . Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital http://www.legacyhealth.org/body.cfm?id=38&oTopID=38&PLinkID=21 2211 NE 139th Street Vancouver, Washington 98686 Main telephone: 360-487-1000
Notable locations in Vancouver: Vancouver Square (A), Vancouver Plaza (B), Royal Oaks Country Club (C), Port of Vancouver Terminal (D), Port Of Vancouver (E), Slocum House (F), Hidden House (G), Clark County Historical Museum (H), Covington Cabin (I), Harney Hill Youth Center (J), David A Johnston Cascades Volcano Observatory (K). Display/hide their locations on the map
Shopping Centers: Arbours Shopping Center (1), Millport Shopping Center (2), Vancouver Village Shopping Center (3), Vancouver Mall (4), Tower Mall (5), Mountain View Shopping Center (6), Garrison Square Shopping Center (7), Paulsons Shopping Center (8), Heights Shopping Center (9). Display/hide their locations on the map
Parks in Vancouver include: Leverich Park (1), Arnold Park (2), Short Park (3), Fort Vancouver National Historical Site (4), Carter Park (5), Hidden Park (6), Evergreen Park (7), Wintler Park (8), Vancouver Lake Park (9). Display/hide their locations on the map
Tourist attractions: Gallery Pianissimo (Museums; P.O. Box 308) (1), Hidden Farm (Cultural Attractions- Events- & Facilities; 701 Grand Boulevard) (2), Pearson Air Museum (Cultural Attractions- Events- & Facilities; 1115 East 5th Street) (3), United States Government - Parks and Recreation- National Park Service (Recreation Areas; 612 East Reserve Street) (4), Golden Skate (Amusement & Theme Parks; 4915 East Fourth Plain Boulevard) (5), Amf Timber Lanes (Amusement & Theme Parks; 2306 Northeast Andresen Road) (6), Kidspace (Amusement & Theme Parks; 5145 Northeast 94th Avenue) (7), Vancouver Speedway (Amusement & Theme Parks; 16303 Northeast 15th Street) (8), West Coast Darts Billiards (Amusement & Theme Parks; 5107 East Fourth Plain Boulevard) (9). Display/hide their approximate locations on the map
Hotels: Comfort Suites Vancouver (4714 Northeast 94th Avenue) (1), Homewood Suites Portland-Vancouver (701 Southeast Columbia Shores Boulevard) (2), Best Western Hotel and Suites Vacouver Mall Dr (9420 Northeast Vancouver Mall Drive) (3), Four Seasons Tire & Auto Service Center Location 5 (11415 Northeast 76th Street) (4), Absolute Marketing (205 Northest 176th Avenue) (5), Best Western Ferryman Inn (7901 Northeast 6th Avenue) (6), Kay's Motel (6700 Northeast Highway 99) (7), Four Seasons Tire & Auto Service Center Location 2 (9505 Northeast 15th Avenue) (8), Days Inn - Portland/Vancouver (221 Northeast Chkalov Drive) (9). Display/hide their approximate locations on the map
Courts: Federal Bureau Of Investigation (fbi) (500 West 8th Street) (1), Clark County - Restraining Orders General- Misdemeanors District Court- Traffic Violat (Po Box 9806) (2), Canyon Creek Court (2615 Neals) (3). Display/hide their approximate locations on the map
Drinking water stations with addresses in Vancouver and their reported violations in the past:
CLARK PUBLIC UTILITIES (Population served: 78721, Groundwater):
Past monitoring violations:
CCR Complete Failure to Report - Between JUL-01-2003 and OCT-08-2003, Consumer Confidence Rule. Follow-up actions: St Compliance achieved (OCT-08-2003)
Follow-up and Routine Tap Sampling - Between JAN-1999 and DEC-2025, Contaminant: Lead & Copper Rule
70 regular monitoring violations
AMBOY CLARK PUBLIC UTILITIES (Population served: 893, Groundwater):
Past monitoring violations:
CCR Complete Failure to Report - Between JUL-2005 and OCT-2005, Consumer Confidence Rule. Follow-up actions: St Compliance achieved (OCT-27-2005)
CCR Complete Failure to Report - Between JUL-01-2003 and OCT-08-2003, Consumer Confidence Rule. Follow-up actions: St Compliance achieved (OCT-08-2003)
CCR Complete Failure to Report - Between OCT-19-1999 and DEC-31-1999, Consumer Confidence Rule. Follow-up actions: Fed Compliance achieved (DEC-31-1999)
One routine major monitoring violation
34 regular monitoring violations
GLENWOOD LITTLE LEAGUE (Population served: 600, Groundwater):
Past monitoring violations:
18 routine major monitoring violations
One regular monitoring violation
EVERGREEN LITTLE LEAGUE (Population served: 250, Groundwater):
Past monitoring violations:
6 routine major monitoring violations
JOES PLACE FARMS (Population served: 87, Groundwater):
CCR Complete Failure to Report - Between JUL-01-2003 and JUN-24-2004, Consumer Confidence Rule. Follow-up actions: St Compliance achieved (JUN-24-2004)
Banks with most branches in Vancouver (2009 data):
First Independent Bank: 13 branches. Info updated 2006-11-03: Bank assets: $960.5 mil, Deposits: $800.3 mil, local headquarters, negative income in the last year, Commercial Lending Specialization, 23 total offices, Holding Company: First Independent Investment Group, Inc.
U.S. Bank National Association: 11 branches. Info updated 2008-11-25: Bank assets: $261,775.6 mil, Deposits: $171,980.0 mil, headquarters in Cincinnati, OH, positive income, Commercial Lending Specialization, 2849 total offices, Holding Company: U.S. Bancorp
JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association: 11 branches. Info updated 2008-09-30: Bank assets: $1,746,242.0 mil, Deposits: $1,055,765.0 mil, headquarters in Columbus, OH, positive income, International Specialization, 5491 total offices, Holding Company: Jpmorgan Chase & Co.
Bank of America, National Association: 10 branches. Info updated 2008-11-07: Bank assets: $1,471,631.0 mil, Deposits: $954,677.6 mil, headquarters in Charlotte, NC, positive income, 6194 total offices, Holding Company: Bank Of America Corporation
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association: 8 branches. Info updated 2009-03-16: Bank assets: $538,958.0 mil, Deposits: $346,850.0 mil, headquarters in Sioux Falls, SD, positive income, Commercial Lending Specialization, 3392 total offices, Holding Company: Wells Fargo & Company
Umpqua Bank: 7 branches. Info updated 2009-01-21: Bank assets: $8,599.1 mil, Deposits: $6,666.5 mil, headquarters in Roseburg, OR, positive income, Commercial Lending Specialization, 159 total offices, Holding Company: Umpqua Holdings Corporation
Keybank National Association: Cascade Park Branch, Hazel Dell Keycenter, Orchards Keycenter Branch, Downtown Vancouver Branch, Fisher's Landing Branch. Info updated 2008-03-03: Bank assets: $101,868.6 mil, Deposits: $70,142.2 mil, headquarters in Cleveland, OH, negative income in the last year, Commercial Lending Specialization, 1003 total offices, Holding Company: Keycorp
West Coast Bank: East Vancouver Branch, Orchards Branch, Vancouver Branch, Salmon Creek Branch. Info updated 2008-09-08: Bank assets: $2,511.0 mil, Deposits: $2,027.9 mil, headquarters in Lake Oswego, OR, negative income in the last year, Commercial Lending Specialization, 67 total offices, Holding Company: West Coast Bancorp
9 other banks with 9 local branches
Fire-safe hotels and motels in Vancouver, Washington
Quality Inn & Conference Center, 221 NE Chkalov, Vancouver, WA 98684, Phone: (360) 253-8900, Fax: (360) 256-1231
The Guest House Motel, 11504 Ne 2ND St, Vancouver, WA 98684, Phone: (360) 254-4511, Fax: (360) 254-7274
Residence Inn By Marriott - Portland North, 8005 Ne Pkwy Dr, Vancouver, WA 98662, Phone: (360) 253-4800, Fax: (360) 256-4758
Source: Jones, Dale E., et al. 2002. Congregations and Membership in the United States 2000. Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center. Tables represent county-level data.
Local government employment and payroll (March 2007)
Function
Full-time employees
Monthly full-time payroll
Average yearly full-time wage
Part-time employees
Monthly part-time payroll
Financial Administration
62
$291,908
$56,498
0
$0
Other Government Administration
136
$643,982
$56,822
0
$0
Judicial and Legal
30
$162,104
$64,842
2
$1,866
Police Protection - Officers
198
$1,367,660
$82,888
0
$0
Police - Other
34
$149,106
$52,626
0
$0
Firefighters
174
$1,109,114
$76,491
0
$0
Fire - Other
33
$210,210
$76,440
0
$0
Streets and Highways
100
$489,592
$58,751
0
$0
Airports
1
$4,116
$49,392
0
$0
Solid Waste Management
6
$25,258
$50,516
0
$0
Sewerage
51
$215,058
$50,602
1
$622
Parks and Recreation
83
$322,506
$46,627
275
$135,544
Natural Resources
5
$21,018
$50,443
0
$0
Water Supply
99
$430,238
$52,150
4
$2,094
Other and Unallocable
97
$412,494
$51,030
10
$4,074
Totals for Government
1109
$5,854,364
$63,347
292
$144,200
Vancouver government finances in 2006:
Bond Funds - Cash and Securities: $6,814,000
Charges - Sewerage: $24,752,000
All Other: $10,033,000
Parks and Recreation: $3,149,000
Housing and Community Development: $1,378,000
Solid Waste Management: $493,000
Regular Highways: $264,000
Miscellaneous Commercial Activities: $67,000
Natural Resources - Other: $20,000
Construction - Regular Highways: $27,517,000
Parks and Recreation: $18,227,000
Local Fire Protection: $2,658,000
General - Other: $1,610,000
Police Protection: $413,000
Central Staff Services: $28,000
Financial Administration: $1,000
Current Operations - Police Protection: $21,228,000
Local Fire Protection: $19,221,000
Sewerage: $13,571,000
Parks and Recreation: $11,322,000
Water Utilities: $11,304,000
Central Staff Services: $10,068,000
Regular Highways: $8,771,000
Financial Administration: $5,416,000
Housing and Community Development: $4,382,000
Protective Inspection and Regulation, NEC: $3,774,000
General - Other: $3,039,000
Judicial and Legal Services: $2,755,000
Solid Waste Management: $1,339,000
Parking Facilities: $995,000
Health - Other: $151,000
Air Transportation: $143,000
Miscellaneous Commercial Activities, NEC: $81,000
Correctional Institutions: $45,000
Employee Retirement - From Parent Local Government: $1,028,000
Benefit Payments: $751,000
Total Cash and Deposits: $382,000
From Other Governments: $126,000
Earnings on Investments (calculated): $111,000
Employee Retirement ? Corporate Bonds: $4,971,000
Federal Intergovernmental - Housing and Community Development: $1,958,000
All Other: $620,000
Health and Hospitals: $16,000
General - Interest on Debt: $10,196,000
Local Intergovernmental - All Other: $11,767,000
Highways: $75,000
Long Term Debt Retired Unspecified Public Purpose: $69,969,000
Miscellaneous - Interest Earnings: $4,944,000
Donations From Private Sources: $4,091,000
Fines and Forfeits: $2,244,000
Rents: $2,180,000
General Revenue, NEC: $1,351,000
Sale of Property: $470,000
Special Assessments: $15,000
NEW for 2005 - Long Term Debt Beginning Outstanding - Unspecified Public Purpose: $295,214,000
Long Term Debt Outstanding Unspecified Public Purpose: $286,678,000
Long Term Debt Issue, Unspecified Public Purpose: $61,433,000
Other Capital Outlay - General - Other: $8,390,000
Parks and Recreation: $6,701,000
Regular Highways: $3,055,000
Police Protection: $655,000
Health - Other: $538,000
Natural Resources - Other: $255,000
Central Staff Services: $127,000
Local Fire Protection: $36,000
Judicial and Legal Services: $1,000
Housing and Community Development: $1,000
Other Funds - Cash and Securities: $167,417,000
Revenue - Water Utilities: $21,739,000
Sinking Funds - Cash and Securities: $43,000
State Intergovernmental - Highways: $17,671,000
All Other: $4,246,000
General Local Government Support: $1,829,000
Health and Hospitals: $113,000
Education: $6,000
Tax - Property: $33,508,000
Public Utilities Sales: $21,011,000
General Sales and Gross Receipts: $13,647,000
Other License: $13,306,000
Other Selective Sales: $8,137,000
Documentary and Stock Transfer: $7,020,000
Amusements Sales: $546,000
Occupation and Business License, NEC: $20,000
Total Salaries and Wages: $70,382,000
7.51% of this county's 2006 resident taxpayers lived in other counties in 2005 ($51,866 average adjusted gross income)
Here:
7.51%
Washington average:
7.86%
0.07% of residents moved from foreign countries ($420 average AGI)
Clark County:
0.07%
Washington average:
0.26%
Top counties from which taxpayers relocated into this county between 2005 and 2006:
National Bridge Inventory (NBI) Statistics Number of bridges: 82 Total length: 1,421 meters (4,662ft) Total costs: $33,090,000 Total average daily traffic: 3,010,484 Total average daily truck traffic: 308,069
Vancouver, Washington sits on the north bank of the Columbia River directly across from Portland, Oregon. The Pacific Coast is less than 90 miles to the west. The Cascade Mountain Range rises on the east. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and Mt. Hood are less than two hours away. The spectacular Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area lies 30 minutes to the east. Vancouver combines the excitement of a major metropolitan area with small-town charm and abundant recreational opportunities More Info below!
Discover Clark County's rich cultural heritage and its breathtaking natural beauty through several self-guided tours.
Hop in the car to tour through the northern part of the county and make a stop in Woodland at the Cedar Creek Grist Mill where you can pick up a sack of freshly-ground flour. Or visit the Covington log cabin (right) on the West Driving Tour. It once housed the region's first piano and was the center of hospitality and entertainment in the 1850s.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Parkersville Landing Historical Park in Washougal during the East Driving Tour. For centuries, Chinook Indians fished and trapped along these banks of the Columbia River. Or sip a latté and wander and window-shop along the streets of downtown Vancouver. More than two dozen well-preserved and historically important sites and heritage trees are part of Vancouver's commercial core.
Heritage Trees
Unique trees and those of historical significance are designated and protected as Heritage Trees in Vancouver. Wander among them, appreciate their beauty and don't forget to see the Old Apple Tree (left). Planted in 1826, this tree is considered the "great grandfather" of the Washington State apple industry. Learn more about Heritage Trees at www.cityofvancouver.us/urbanforestry
Outside of Vancouver, a bike trail will lead you through the forest and farmlands of rural Clark County. During a 52-mile loop, suitable for intermediate riders, you will pass some of the region's most important historic properties including the Amboy United Brethren Church, built in 1900, and the Pomeroy Living History Farm, which comes alive each day with exhibits and demonstrations.
So, pick your mode of travel and experience, explore and enjoy Clark County
History of Vancouver
An Overview of Vancouver's History
For thousands of years, the Vancouver area was home to native people who flourished on the bounty of forest and river.
In May, 1792, American trader/sailor Robert Gray became the first non-native to enter the fabled "Great River of the West," the Columbia River. Later that year, British Lt. William Broughton, serving under Capt. George Vancouver, explored 100 miles upriver. Along the way, he named a point of land along the shore in honor of his commander.
In 1806, American explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark camped near the Vancouver waterfront on the return leg of their famed western expedition. Lewis characterized the area as "the only desired situation for settlement west of the Rocky Mountains."
In 1825, Dr. John McLoughlin decided to move the northwest headquarters of the Hudson’s Bay Company from Astoria to a more favorable setting upriver. He named the site after Point Vancouver on Broughton’s original map. Fort Vancouver was thus born.
For many years, Fort Vancouver was the center of all fur trading in the Pacific Northwest. It was also a center of British dominion over the Oregon Territory. In 1846, American control was extended north to the 49th parallel. The northwest became part of the United States.
In 1849, American troops arrived to establish Columbia (later Vancouver) Barracks. It served as military headquarters for much of the Pacific Northwest. The neighboring settlement was named "the City of Columbia."
Finally, in 1857, the City of Vancouver was incorporated. Through the rest of the century, Vancouver steadily developed. In 1908, the first rail line east through the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge reached Vancouver. In 1910, a railroad bridge was opened south across the Columbia. In 1917, the Interstate Bridge was completed.
During World War I, the site later named Pearson Field was the location of the world's largest spruce cut-up mill. It cut raw timber into the lumber used to build the planes which helped win the war in Europe. During World War II, Vancouver’s Kaiser Shipyard built a variety of craft that contributed greatly to America’s war effort.
Today, Vancouver is a community proud of its past with a keen eye toward a future rich with promise.
Historic Facts
From its long and colorful history, Vancouver boasts these many special distinctions:
Headquarters of Hudson's Bay Company (established 1825)
Oldest permanent non-native settlement in Pacific Northwest (1825)
Oldest living apple tree in Pacific Northwest (planted 1826)
First sawmill in Pacific Northwest (1827)
Oldest public square in Pacific Northwest (Esther Short Park, 1855)
Notable soldiers who served at Vancouver Barracks:
Gen. Ulysses S. Grant
Gen. George McClellan
Gen. Philip Sheridan
Gen. O.O. Howard
Gen. George C. Marshall
One of the oldest continuously operated airports in the country (Pearson Field, 1905-present)
World’s largest spruce lumber mill for airplane construction during World War I
Pearson Field, landing site of first transpolar flight (Soviet, 1937)
Major shipbuilding center during World War II
Vancouver honored with "All-America City" distinction (1957 and 1987
History of Vancouver
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Development of Fort Vancouver by the Hudson’s Bay Company from 1825 through 1846 was a seminal event in the history of the Pacific Northwest and lower Columbia River basin. The fort was an outpost of Western civilization during that period and functioned as a commerce and provisionary center for the lucrative fur trade throughout the Pacific Northwest. It was named in honor of the famous British sea explorer, Captain George Vancouver.
Under the leadership of Dr. John McLoughlin, the Hudson’s Bay Company at Fort Vancouver played a central role in the European settlement of the Pacific Northwest. As the anchor to British claims in the Pacific Northwest, Fort Vancouver was at the center of competing interests between Great Britain and the United States. With Fort Vancouver as its regional headquarters, the Hudson's Bay Company controlled 34 forts and posts in a territory encompassing present-day British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana and the Hawaiian Islands. An 1835 visitor to the fort described it as "the New York of the Pacific."
Owing to its national significance, the site was designated a National Historic Monument by Congress on June 19, 1948. In 1961, its size was expanded and renamed Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
Extensive archaeological documentation of the Fort Vancouver site from the 1940s to the present has provided a significant body of information for the interpretation and reconstruction of Fort Vancouver and its environs. Buildings reconstructed to date include the Chief Factor's House, bakery, blacksmith shop, central stores and fur storage facility. The site continues to yield important archaeological information concerning early nineteenth century patterns, events, processes, design and construction methods.
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is administered by the National Park Service.
Nez Perce
In 1877, 33 members of Chief Redheart's Band of the Nez Perce Tribe were captured under the direction of General O.O. Howard. Even though this band of the Nez Perce neither fought in the Indian Wars nor committed any crimes, they were kept prisoner a Fort Vancouver until April 22, 1878. In 1998, the Nez Perce returned to Vancouver Barracks for the first time since 1878. There they performed a reconciliation ceremony to honor the memory of their ancestors and to heal old wounds.
The public is invited to participate in the ceremonies which occur each year in April. The ceremony, includes honor songs, drumming and an empty saddle ceremony featuring the famous Nez Perce Appaloosas.
(at top right, Nez Perce at Reconciliation Ceremony, below Riderless Horse)
Protected land
The following properties were recently purchased with grants from the Salmon Recovery Funding Board and the Resource Conservation Funding Board:
Lower East Fork Lewis River Two properties were recently acquired. One includes 52 acres of shoreline, riparian, and floodplain habitat on the East Fork Lewis River three miles southeast of La Center. The second includes 12 acres across the East Fork from Lewisville Park.
The East Fork Lewis supports Endangered Species Act-listed runs of steelhead and coho, Chinook, and chum salmon. The site also provides habitat for deer, river otter, beaver, eagles, hawks and neotropical migrant birds.
Upper East Fork Lewis River 169 acres of high-quality shoreline, riparian, and associated uplands habitat on the East Fork Lewis River 1.5 miles west of the Clark/Skamania County Line and Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The property includes shoreline, and springs and seeps on the adjoining hillside that are important to fish runs in the East Fork.
Whipple Creek 40 acres of shoreline, wetlands, and riparian and mixed mature upland forests on Whipple Creek, 4.5 miles north of Vancouver.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has identified this site as one of the five most important urban forests in the greater Vancouver area due to the quality and diversity of its habitat. The land supports a variety of neotropical migrant birds, pileated woodpecker, hawks, owls, deer, beaver and raccoon. Whipple Creek supports coho and steelhead (ESA-Threatened) and resident cutthroat trout.
Lower Washougal River Trail 7.24 acres which enabled developed of a shared-use regional trail located in the 125-acre Washougal River Greenway in Camas and a new Camas-Washougal Community Center. The park and trail complex will provide opportunities for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, picnicking and fishing and it will provide linkages to the 350-acre Lacamas Lake Regional Park, Goot Park and many other recreation facilities.
Lacamas Lake Shoreline Seven acres of riparian and wetland habitat along the shoreline of Lacamas Lake near the intersection of SR 500 and Leadbetter Road. The project site supports a variety of wildlife including deer, beaver, osprey, bald eagles, great blue heron, wood duck, Canada geese, and neotropical migrant birds.
Legacy Lands Program
Clark County’s diverse natural landscape is made up of broad river valleys, narrow river canyons, wetlands, lakes, riparian zones, forests, mountains, meadows, foothills and farms. The Legacy Lands program protects these lands highly valued for habitat, scenic corridors, low-impact recreation and other qualities that enhance our local environment
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Hop in the car to 
Unique trees and those of historical significance are designated and protected as Heritage Trees in Vancouver. Wander among them, appreciate their beauty and don't forget to see the Old Apple Tree (left). Planted in 1826, this tree is considered the "great grandfather" of the Washington State apple industry. Learn more about Heritage Trees at 
.O. Howard. Even though this band of the Nez Perce neither fought in the Indian Wars nor committed any crimes, they were kept prisoner a Fort Vancouver until April 22, 1878. In 1998, the Nez Perce returned to Vancouver Barracks for the first time since 1878. There they performed a reconciliation ceremony to honor the memory of their ancestors and to heal old wounds.
The following properties were recently purchased with grants from the Salmon Recovery Funding Board and the Resource Conservation Funding Board: