Fort Vancouver, Washington – From Traders to Soldiers
Fort Vancouver, a site steeped in history and nestled along the northern banks of the Columbia River in present-day Vancouver, Washington, stands as a testament to the transformative eras of the Pacific Northwest. From its inception as a bustling fur trading post to its later role as a significant U.S. Army installation, Fort Vancouver’s story is one of cultural exchange, economic ambition, and ultimately, the westward expansion of the United States. The site, named in honor of Captain George Vancouver, embodies a complex narrative of traders, soldiers, settlers, and indigenous peoples, all converging on a single, strategically important location.
The story of Fort Vancouver begins in 1824, with the establishment of a crucial trading post by the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC). This British enterprise sought to solidify its presence in the Pacific Northwest and capitalize on the lucrative fur trade. The Columbia District, managed from Fort Vancouver, was a vast domain, encompassing an estimated 700,000 square miles. It stretched from Russian Alaska in the north to Mexican California in the south, and from the formidable Rocky Mountains in the east to the distant Hawaiian Islands in the west. This immense territory was governed and supplied from the bustling hub of Fort Vancouver.
George Simpson, a prominent figure within the Hudson’s Bay Company, played a pivotal role in the fort’s establishment. However, it was Dr. John McLoughlin who would become synonymous with its success. As the fort’s first manager, McLoughlin oversaw its construction and early operations. He later earned the moniker "Father of Oregon" for his benevolent treatment of American settlers arriving in the region. His actions, however, created a conflict with the Hudson’s Bay Company because these new settlers interfered with the fur trade.
The original Fort Vancouver was an impressive structure. It consisted of approximately 40 buildings, enclosed within a formidable palisade. The towering walls, standing 20 feet high, stretched approximately 750 feet in length and 450 feet in width. Inside this protective barrier, a diverse array of facilities supported the daily life and commercial activities of the post. Homes provided shelter for employees and their families, while a school and library catered to the intellectual needs of the community. A pharmacy ensured the health of the inhabitants, and a chapel offered spiritual solace. Blacksmiths, carpenters, and other artisans plied their trades, contributing to the self-sufficiency of the fort. A large manufacturing facility produced goods for trade and consumption.
Beyond the palisade walls, the Hudson’s Bay Company expanded its operations, creating a sprawling complex that included additional housing, a shipyard for constructing and repairing vessels, and a hospital to care for the sick and injured. A distillery produced spirits, while a tannery processed animal hides. A sawmill provided lumber for construction, and a dairy supplied fresh milk and cheese. Extensive agricultural fields and fruit orchards surrounded the fort, providing a vital source of food for the community.
As the administrative center and principal supply depot for the vast Columbia District, Fort Vancouver served as the heart of an extensive fur trading network. During peak seasons, the fort employed approximately 600 people, who worked at two dozen posts throughout the region. The company also operated six ships, which transported goods and personnel along the coast and across the Pacific. While fur trading was the primary economic activity, a significant portion of the workforce was engaged in agriculture, reflecting the fort’s role as a self-sustaining community. The strategic location of Fort Vancouver was crucial for the success of the fur trade.
The atmosphere within Fort Vancouver was remarkably diverse. A multicultural village thrived around the fort, populated by individuals from over 35 different ethnic and tribal groups. Though a British establishment, the primary languages spoken were Canadian French and Chinook Jargon, a trade language that facilitated communication between the various groups. This diverse population contributed to the vibrant cultural landscape of the fort, making it one of the largest settlements in the West during its time. Fort Vancouver also served as the early end of the Oregon Trail for American immigrants seeking new opportunities in the region.
In the late 1840s and early 1850s, a shift began to occur in the activities and population of Fort Vancouver. As returns from trapping declined and the number of American settlers increased, the Hudson’s Bay Company began to focus on land-based mercantile opportunities. This change led to an increase in the number of Hawaiian employees, who were often referred to as "Kanakas," a Hawaiian word for "person." By the 1850s, the village surrounding the fort became known as "Kanaka Town" or "Kanaka Village," reflecting the significant presence of the Hawaiian community.
The village not only served as living quarters for the company employees, but it also became the site of establishing a permanent U.S. Army presence in the Pacific Northwest. In May 1849, the U.S. Army established Camp Columbia on a rise approximately 20 feet above the trading post. This marked a significant shift in the power dynamics of the region, as the United States asserted its authority over the territory.
Initially, the Hudson’s Bay Company assisted the soldiers by allowing them to use their sawmill for cutting timber. However, the construction of the army post was delayed due to the California Gold Rush, which created a scarcity of labor and supplies, drove up prices, and led to numerous desertions. Despite these challenges, the remaining soldiers persevered, and construction was finally completed in the spring of 1851. At that time, the army post was renamed Columbia Barracks.
The traders and soldiers initially coexisted amicably. The Army rented many of the village buildings and hired local residents. In the early 1850s, the Army constructed several new buildings, including the Quartermaster Depot and Captain Rufus Ingalls’ house, where Ulysses S. Grant resided from 1852 to 1853. The army post was expanded to over 10,000 acres and renamed Fort Vancouver Military Reservation.
However, as the number of new settlers increased and returns from trapping continued to decline, relations between the traders and soldiers deteriorated in the latter half of the 1850s. The settlers were pressuring the Hudson’s Bay Company for land. In June 1860, the Hudson’s Bay Company finally withdrew its operations to Victoria, British Columbia, marking the end of an era for Fort Vancouver as a fur trading post.
Following the departure of the Hudson’s Bay Company, the soldiers occupied some of the old trading post buildings. The Vancouver Arsenal was established in 1859. However, in 1866, a raging fire destroyed all signs of the original trading post buildings, erasing a significant chapter in the history of Fort Vancouver.
The soldiers remained, rebuilding the buildings and transforming the post into a more permanent military installation. Two double-story barracks were constructed on opposite sides of the parade ground, each with a kitchen and mess hall in the rear. Seven log and four frame buildings served as Officer’s Quarters.
In 1879, the post was officially named Vancouver Barracks. It was expanded during World War I to accommodate the growing needs of the military. During World War II, the post served as a staging area for the Seattle Port of Embarkation, playing a crucial role in the war effort. Finally, in 1946, the fort was closed, bringing an end to its long history as a military installation.
Recognizing its historical significance, the site was declared a U.S. National Monument on June 19, 1948, and re-designated as Fort Vancouver National Historic Site on June 30, 1961. Today, the historic site offers visitors a glimpse into the past, with a full-scale replica of the fort that includes the manager’s house, bakery, blacksmith shop, central stores, and fur storage facility. Numerous exhibits are available for viewing, and re-enactments and demonstrations are held throughout the year, bringing the history of Fort Vancouver to life. Fort Vancouver is now an amazing monument.