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Fort Vancouver National Historic SiteTheme(s): Westward Expansion | |
Description:
Fort Vancouver was the administrative headquarters and main supply depot for the Hudson's Bay Company's fur trading operations in the immense Columbia Department. Under the leadership of John McLoughlin, the fort became the center of political, cultural, and commercial activities in the Pacific Northwest. When American immigrants arrived in the Oregon Country during the 1830s and 1840s, Fort Vancouver provided them with essential supplies to begin their new settlements.
In 1996, the 366-acre Vancouver National Historic Reserve was established to protect adjacent, historically significant historical areas. It includes Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, as well as Vancouver Barracks, Officers' Row, Pearson Field, The Water Resources Education Center, and portions of the Columbia River waterfront. The General O.O. Howard House serves as the visitor center for the Reserve, and is staffed by National Park Service personnel.
Designations:
National Monument (June 19, 1948)
National Historic Site (June 30, 1961)
Accessibility:
All park structures and facilities, excluding one building at the fort, are accessible to wheelchairs. Transcripts of audio presentations are available for the hearing-impaired.
Getting Around:
Visitora may walk or drive on the park road that connects the Visitor Center and the reconstructed fort site. A wheelchair is available for use on request.
Activites:
Educational Programs | And more.
Facilities:
Visitor_Centers | Picnic Areas | Comfort Stations | And more.
Directions to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Plane:
Portland, Oregon is served by Portland International Airport and is just across the Columbia River (about 8 miles) from downtown Vancouver, Washington.
Car:
From I-5, take the Mill Plain exit and head east. Turn south onto Fort Vancouver Way. At the traffic circle, go east on Evergreen Boulevard and follow signs to the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center.
The reconstructed fort site is south of the visitor center - follow the parkroad which connects the visitor center parking lot to the fort parking lot.
From I-205, go west on Highway 14 about six miles, then take I-5 north. From I-5, take the Mill Plain exit and head east. Turn south onto Fort Vancouver Way. At the traffic circle, go east on
Evergreen Boulevard and follow signs to the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center. The reconstructed fort site is south of the visitor center - follow the park road which connects the visitor center parking lot to the fort parking lot.
Public Transportation
Vancouver is served by both bus and Amtrak stations.
Attractions:
Fort Nisqually
Fort Langley National Historic Site
Nearby Parks:
Mcloughlin House National Historic Site in Washington
San Juan Island National Historical Park in Washington
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