On May 13, 1849, the first U.S. Army troops in the Pacific Northwest saw the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Fort Vancouver from the deck of the USS Massachusetts, and after being politely received by resident Governor Douglas, Major Hatheway decided to encamp near Vancouver. The troops soon established themselves on high ground above the fort, beginning their assignment of keeping peace and providing support to Oregon Trail emigrants. For more than 150 years, the U.S. Army trained, drilled, departed for war, and recuperated at Vancouver Barracks. From the 1850s to the 1870s, troops from the post were sent to fight in the Indian Wars. In later decades, they served in the Philippines, curbed labor riots in Tacoma, and attempted to maintain order during the Alaska Gold Rush and strikes at Idaho mines. Beginning in the 1800s, the parade ground also became a gathering place for members of growing communities, with regular dress parades drawing large evening crowds from Portland. By World War I, as troops, spruce lumber for aircraft, mules, and supplies were shipped out in support of the war effort, Fort Lewis near Olympia, Washington, was under construction. Although Fort Lewis soon surpassed Vancouver Barracks in military importance, the post remains home to the U.S. Army Reserve 104th and 396th Divisions and the Washington National Guard, continuing a long tradition of military service.

Photo: Kevin W.

Photo: Kevin W.

Vancouver, Washington · USA