FIRST - Fort Vancouver, Vancouver, Washington - First of its Kind on Waymarking.com

In 1824, the Hudson's Bay Company chose this place as the site for a new fort which they named Vancouver in honor of the British explorer, George Vancouver. Little is known of this FIRST fort as it moved early in 1829 to its now well-known location one mile west of this place. However, it was an initial, arduous four years on the bluff.

The new site was on the north bank of the Columbia River, slightly upstream from the mouth of the Willamette River on the opposite side. The fort itself would be built on a plain with easy access to the water, but just beyond the flood plain. The surrounding environment was broad areas of prairie and trees, sloping upward to dense fir forests.

Dr. John McLoughlin was the Chief Factor. His superiors were well pleased with the choice, not only for its situation, but most importantly for its rich pasture and amenable climate.

Instructions for logging waymark: A photograph is required of the Fort Vancouver signboard with you and/or your GPSr in the picture.

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