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Vancouver National Historic Reserve |
| WASHINGTON STATE > VANCOUVER WA HOTELS > VANCOUVER WA ATTRACTIONS > SEATTLE HOTELS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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History Comes Alive at the Historic Reserve Take a step back in time with a visit to the 366-acre Vancouver National Historic Reserve located just east of downtown. The Reserve brings together a nationalpark, a premier archaeological site, the region's first military post, an international fur trade emporium, one of the oldest operating airfields, a waterfront trail and an environmental center on the banks of the Columbia River. It is also the home of the annual Fourth of July celebration featuring the largest fireworks display this side of the Mississippi. The Fort Vancouver National Historic Site was established in 1825 as the Pacific Northwest headquarters of the Hudson's Bay Company and their vast fur trading empire. Today, the reconstructed buildings in the Fort come alive with interpreters in period clothing who re-enact daily fort life. Additionally, the nearby Fort Visitor's Center contains exhibits and a gift shop. Vancouver Barracks provides a military perspective to the rich history of the area. Stroll down the tree-lined streets of Officers Row, a neighborhood of 22 exquisitely preserved Victorian homes built in the mid-to-late 1800s for the Army officers and soldiers stationed at Vancouver Barracks. The homes are now occupied by museums, shops, restaurants and offices. The three more notable properties are the Grant House (1849), the General O.O. Howard House (1879) and the Marshall House (1886) which offers tours and an exhibit on General George C. Marshall, its most famous resident. The Reserve also includes Pearson Air Museum which offers a look at aviation history. Exhibition areas offer a stunning collection of vintage airplanes, interpretive displays, an interactive children's center, theater presentations, a restoration shop and gift shop. The museum is located at Pearson Field, one of the oldest continually operating airfields in the United States. Overlooking the waterfront, the Water Resources Education Center includes many hands-on interactive exhibits, water-themed art in the White Sturgeon Art Gallery, live sturgeon in a 350-gallon aquarium and a panoramic view of the Columbia River and the surrounding 48 acres of wetlands. This is a "must see" for anyone concerned about the future of a safe and healthy water supply for people and wildlife. |
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