When the U.S. Army arrived at Fort Vancouver in May of 1849, it quickly built nine log cabins for shelter against the coming winter. The two-story post commander’s quarters, later called the Grant House, is the only remaining structure built during the Army’s initial years of occupation at Fort Vancouver. Although Ulysses S. Grant served there as a quartermaster from 1852 to 1853, the house was never his residence. It was home to several important commanders, including John S. Hathaway, William W. Loring, Philip Kearney, B.L.E. Bonneville, Gabriel J. Rains, and George Wright. In January of 1853, Grant wrote that the buildings on Officers Row had been put up hastily with round green logs and rough green plank floors and were very cold, though he expected them to be made comfortable the next summer. The following year, Lieutenant Colonel B.L.E. Bonneville said the post commander’s quarters still needed improvement and should be papered inside to make them comfortable in winter. The quarters remained uncomfortable until the early 1860s, when the log walls were covered in clapboard and the interior was adequately sealed.

Photo: Kevin W.

Photo: Kevin W.

Photo: Kevin W.

Photo: Kevin W.

Photo: Kevin W.

Photo: Kevin W.

Photo: Kevin W.

Vancouver, Washington · USA