History of Vancouver, Washington

Found at the head of the deep water navigation of Columbia River, Vancouver has a long and abundant history that connects the history of the nation. Vancouver started as a military post following the establishment of Fort Vancouver in 1848. The Fort was named after Captain George Vancouver of the Hudson’s Bay Company. Today, the Fort stands as a national historical site, and as a testament of the abundant history the city.

Apart from the abundant military history of Vancouver, the city likewise hosted and assembled the first steamboat to operate on the Pacific Ocean, the SS Beaver. The steamboat was shipped from England through a sailboat and the artisans of Vancouver put together the paddle wheel and engines in the city.

The assembly of the SS Beaver in the city is a testimony to the manufacturing, farming, and lumbering industries around the city that set up its varied financial base.

Nevertheless, Vancouver was not constantly the dynamic and flourishing cities that stands today. Throughout the 18th century, the location was occupied by the Chinook Indians.

When the George Vancouver lastly settled in the area, he claimed the land, and at that time, it was the first English settlement in the Pacific Northwest. During these developmental years, Vancouver would see numerous skirmishes included the 1812 war in between 2 business that ran in the location.

The strategic location of the location made Vancouver an ideal military base, which caused servicemen settling in the location. Many of them settled in the area, that army barracks and homes were built during the 1800s. A few of these buildings still stand today, including the Officer’s Row.

In fact, General Ulysses S. Grant home still stands in Vancouver today, fully refurbished to its former splendor. Other notable military actions where the city of Vancouver participated in consist of the Second World War where it acted as a shipway for ships that hindered German submarines.

After the war, the Kaiser shipway would put Vancouver on the map as a center of trade and commerce in the state of Washington. The development of the Alcoa Aluminum company and the Kaiser shipyard, Vancouver was set to become a manufacturing and industrial hub in Washington state.

Apart from being a military center, Vancouver is likewise home to the very first Roman Catholic church in the state. The Cathedral was called St. James Cathedral until the bishop got a transfer to Seattle.

The abundant history of Vancouver makes it one of the most remarkable cities in the state of Washington and the whole business.