The sprawling stockade was once headquarters for the Hudson's Bay Company Columbia Department, covering what is now British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Fur trappers brought in piles of beaver furs to be shipped to England. Oregon Trail emigrants trickled in, Native people came to trade, and laborers from many countries worked at the fort.
Dr. John McLoughlin headed the whole enterprise, keeping the peace and British rule. By 1860, though, the British and the company were gone. Fort Vancouver was on American soil.
Workers Demonstrate 19th-century Skills
Fire and decay soon destroyed the fort and village structures, but a century later, archeologists began excavating the site. Reconstruction started, and today the sights, sounds and smells of history live again. Every day, volunteers and staff in period clothing demonstrate life on the far western frontier. Visitors can watch a 12-minute video and wander through on their own or take a guided, one-hour tour. They see blacksmiths forging tools over a fire hot enough to melt iron, carpenters hammering in their shop, or cooks and bakers showing what it took to support hundreds of workers and families.
At the fort entrance there's an abundant garden, maintained by dedicated volunteers, with many of the same plants that provided seeds and cuttings for local people and settlers. The Fort Vancouver Bookstore sells seeds and lavender sachets from the garden.
Life was not all work in early settlement days. Big celebrations were held when the fur trappers returned from a year in the wilderness, and games and competitions were common, including the new game of baseball. One evening a group of naval officers presented a play, the first known theatrical performance in the region.
Programs at Vancouver National Historic Reserve
A fee is charged for some events at Fort Vancouver; others are free. The many yearly events include:
- April: Nez Perce Chief Redheart Ceremony. A traditional memorial ceremony to honor Chief Redheart's Band and the ancestors, and to recognize veterans.
- April: National Park Family Day. Participants can meet park rangers and learn about park wildlife and natural and cultural history.
- June: Brigade Encampment. After a winter in the wilderness trapping beaver, the trapper brigades returned to Fort Vancouver with their bounty. Festive celebrations re-enact their return.
- July and August: 1860s Vintage Baseball. The gloveless games are played by staff and volunteers in period clothing and according to 1860s rules, when baseball was new.
- August: Founder's Day. Commemorates the establishment of the National Park Service.
- September: Campfire and Candlight. After-dark tours of the fort.
- November to February: Lantern Tours. Visitors stroll back in time on tours illuminated by lanterns, an authentic experience of after-dark life in 1845.
- December: Christmas at Fort Vancouver. The fort celebrates the traditions of the holiday season.
For information on dates and other events, call the park visitor center at 360-816-6230. When touring the National Historic Reserve, wear sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothing with rain protection.
Marilyn McFarlane - Marilyn McFarlane is long-time freelance writer and editor with a focus on travel. She wrote a newspaper column for 9 years and has ...
