Only in Vancouver can you travel through time to the frontier days surrounding Fort Vancouver, the turn of the century when General George C. Marshall or General Grant lived in Officer's Row, WWI and WWII with planes parked at Pearson airpark, and stand on the site of the Kaiser Shipyard which build 140 victory ships during WWII. The last few years has the area with the federal government declaring the area a National Historic Reserve and looking for ways to preserve and use this historic region.

Vancouver Washington lies at the head of deep-water navigation on the Columbia River. The first American to explore the territory was Capt. Robert Gray, who discovered the Columbia River while navigating the Pacific Coast in 1792. The Lewis and Clark expedition arrived at the junction of the Columbia and Willamette rivers in 1805. Reports by early explorers attracted fur trappers and traders. In 1825 the Hudson's Bay Company founded Fort Vancouver. Under the leadership of Dr. John McLoughlin, the community grew into the center of fur trading for the Pacific Northwest. When fur trading ceased, the town developed into a lively shipping center.

Clark County Washington was named for William Clark, co-captain of the Lewis and Clark expedition, which passed through the area in 1805 and 1806. The group of explorers camped near Washougal, Ridgefield and the present Port of Vancouver.

While the area includes land along the Columbia River, the areas three most visited sites are Fort Vancouver, Officer's Row, and Pearson Air Park:

Chkalov Monument 0 Pearson Air Park

E. Reserve and 5th streets. The monument commemorates the 1937 transpolar flight of Soviet aviators. They flew from Moscow to Vancouver. The monument is a symbol for friendship between the two countries. Reserve and 5th streets. The monument commemorates the 1937 transpolar flight of Soviet aviators. They flew from Moscow to Vancouver. The monument is a symbol for friendship between the two countries.

 

This log cabin once served as a schoolhouse. It was built in 1848 by Richard and Anne Covington, two of the area's first teachers. The cabin, originally located in Orchards, was moved to Vancouver in the 1920's. This log cabin once served as a schoolhouse. It was built in 1848 by Richard and Anne Covington, two of the area's first teachers. The cabin, originally located in Orchards, was moved to Vancouver in the 1920's.

Marine Park off Columbia Way.  This memorial honors industrialist Henry J. Kaiser and the people whose ship-building efforts helped attain victory in World War II. A three-story viewing tower and an interpretive center are located here.

Two family homes built in 1885 by Lowel M. Hidden, one of Vancouver's prominent citizens. Marine Park off Columbia Way.  This memorial honors industrialist Henry J. Kaiser and the people whose ship-building efforts helped attain victory in World War II. A three-story viewing tower and an interpretive center are located here.

This structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is home to the Slocum House Theater Company, which produces several plays during the year. The annual Victorian Festival is held here in August.

This structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is home to the Slocum House Theater Company, which produces several plays during the year. The annual Victorian Festival is held here in August.

The market, held every Saturday from April to October, features fresh produce, nursery and garden plants, live entertainment, crafts and homemade foods.

Located 2 miles northeast of Battle Ground off Hwy. 503, the 279 acre park features a spring-fed lake that fills the crater of an extinct volcano. Hiking, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, and camping are popular pastimes.

The train takes passengers on a scenic ride over the first track laid in Clark County. It makes a stop at Moulton Falls County Park. The train currently is running seasonally on weekends. Call for an up-to-date schedule.

This site holds archeological and historical significance to the Chinook-speaking people. Plaques at the site explain it's history.

In Washougal, tours of this famous mill are available.

City of Vancouver Parks and Recreation Administration - Vancouver offers recreation centers, a teen center, acres of community parks, individual and team sports, programs for all age groups and abilities, and many special events. Old Apple Tree Park preserves an apple tree planted in 1826. The Old Apple Tree Festival, held the first Saturday in October, is just one of the many special events. City of Vancouver Parks and Recreation Administration - Vancouver offers recreation centers, a teen center, acres of community parks, individual and team sports, programs for all age groups and abilities, and many special events. Old Apple Tree Park preserves an apple tree planted in 1826. The Old Apple Tree Festival, held the first Saturday in October, is just one of the many special events.