A Brief History of Vancouver, Washington

A Brief History of Vancouver, Washington

Nestled along the north bank of the Columbia River, Vancouver, Washington is the oldest permanent non-Indigenous settlement in the Pacific Northwest. Its rich and varied history stretches back thousands of years, originally home to the Chinook and Cowlitz peoples who thrived along the riverbanks long before European arrival.

In 1825, the Hudson’s Bay Company established Fort Vancouver, a fur trading post that quickly became the economic and cultural hub of the Pacific Northwest. Led by Chief Factor Dr. John McLoughlin, Fort Vancouver supplied goods and provisions across the region and played a key role in the early settlement of Oregon Country.

By the mid-19th century, American settlers arriving via the Oregon Trail brought sweeping changes. In 1849, the U.S. Army built the Vancouver Barracks, making it the first military post in the Northwest. The city continued to grow as a transportation and industrial center through the late 1800s and early 1900s.

During World War II, Vancouver boomed as the Kaiser Shipyards brought thousands of workers to the area. This surge in population helped shape the modern identity of the city. Today, Vancouver blends its deep historical roots with a growing urban revival — preserving heritage sites like Fort Vancouver National Historic Site while embracing modern development on the bustling Vancouver Waterfront.

With its unique blend of Native American heritage, fur trade legacy, military significance, and modern reinvention, Vancouver, Washington stands as a proud cornerstone of Pacific Northwest history.