Hudson Bay in Vancouver in Clark County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Vancouver Barracks Parade Ground
For over 150 years, the U.S. Army trained, drilled, marched off to war, and recuperated at Vancouver Barracks. From the 1850s to the 1870s, the troops were dispatched to fight the Indian Wars. In the following decades, they saw action I the Philippines, curbed labor riots in Tacoma, and attempted to keep order during the Alaska Gold Rush and strikes at Idaho mines.
Beginning in the 1800s, this parade ground became a gathering place for members of budding communities as well. “The regular dress parades at the barracks continue to attract large crowds every evening. Every [street] car and steamer in the afternoon is crowded with visitors from Portland” wrote a reporter in The Oregonian newspaper in 1899.
By World War I, as troops, spruce lumber for aircraft, mules and supplies were shipped out to support the war effort, Fort Lewis, near Olympia, WA, was under construction. Although Fort Lewis soon overshadowed Vancouver Barracks in military importance, this post remains home to the U.S. Army Reserve 104th and 396th Divisions, and the Washington National Guard, continuing the rich tradition of military service.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • Notable Places • War, Spanish-American • War, World I. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1873.
Location. 45° 37.663′ N, 122° 39.616′ W. Marker is in Vancouver, Washington, in Clark County. It is in Hudson Bay. Marker is on E. Evergreen Way, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1101 E Evergreen Way, Vancouver WA 98661, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Grant House (within shouting distance of this marker); Officers Row (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Officers Row (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Marshall House (about 800 feet away); Cannon Replica Project (approx. 0.2 miles away); Congressional Medal of Honor Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Japanese on the North American Continent (approx. 0.2 miles away); The O. O. Howard House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vancouver.
More about this marker. The background picture is captioned, "Soldiers practice skirmish line formation on the parade ground. Skirmish lines were deployed in advance of the main body of the troops to test enemy lines for weaknesses. Kneeling or prone positions created smaller targets for enemy fire." It was provided for the marker courtesy of the Clark County Historical Museum.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,734 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 22, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.