Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
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 park has many activities specifically designed for our younger visitors.
In addition to a new Audio Tour specifically designed for families with
children, the park features a new hands-on exhibit inside the reconstructed
Counting House.
This exhibit introduces kids to the fields of history and archaeology through an
exploration of the lives of three children who lived at Fort Vancouver.
For those kids looking for a place to play, the park has a new playground near
the Visitor Center!
Fort Vancouver is located on the north side of the Columbia River in Vancouver,
Washington.
Driving directions to Fort Vancouver
From I-5, take the Mill Plain Boulevard exit (Exit 1-C) 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. Follow the park
road that 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 Boulevard exit (Exit 1-C) 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 (1501 E. Evergreen Blvd.)
Follow the park road that connects the visitor center parking lot to the fort
parking lot.
Parking is available in designated parking lots at the Visitor Center and at the
site of the reconstructed fort (1001 E. Fifth St.). During special events,
visitors are encouraged to park in public spaces along E. Fifth Street. |
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