History of Vancouver, Washington, USA

Grew from Fort Vancouver.

Vancouver, van-koo'ver, a banking city of Washing ton, capital of Clarke co., is situated on the Columbia River and on the Northern Pacific R., 6 miles (direct) N. of Port land, Oregon, with which it is connected by several lines of steamers. It is tho headquarters of the Military Department of the Columbia (with the seat at the adjacent Vancouver Barracks). It has saw-mills, fruit-packing industries, a brewery, etc. St. James College and a state school for defective youths are located here. The largest sea-going vessels reach the wharves. Pop. of the city in 1900. 4006.

Vancouver, Wash. - While flying is hardly the novelity it had been 10 or 20 years previous, it was still an unusual and (occasionally) dangerous pastime. Such was demonstrated on April 24, 1927, when pilot DAN GRECCO offered to give HARRIET FRANKLIN and ZOLA SCHAU an aerial tour.

According to GRECCO, conditions were good and the takeoff was fairly routine until he turned ast in an attempt to line himself up with some railroad tracks adjacent to Pearson Field. Approximately 150 feet in the air, GRECCO leveled out when the rudder became jammed, he later speculated that one of the women may have accidentally gotten a foot stuck in the instrument cables. This left GRECCO unable to maneuver the plane, despite frantic efforts to regain control.

According to witnesses, GRECCO'S plane went into a sudden dive and plowed into a railroad embankment, stopping 300 yards short of the Columbia River. Onlookers and airfield personnel rushed to the crash site, but judging from the crumpled...

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site: Start your exploration of Vancouver's history at Fort Vancouver. This well-preserved 19th-century fur trading post is a window into the region's past. You can take guided tours, visit the working blacksmith shop, and explore the reconstructed buildings.

Pearson Field: If you're interested in aviation, Pearson Field is the oldest continually operating airfield in the United States. You can often see vintage and modern aircraft taking off and landing here.

Officers' Row: Stroll along Officers' Row, a series of beautifully preserved 19th-century homes built for U.S. Army officers stationed at Fort Vancouver. The architecture and gardens are stunning, and it's a great place for a leisurely walk.

Esther Short Park: This is the oldest public square in the state of Washington. It's a lovely place to have a picnic, walk your dog, or just relax in the heart of the city. The park often hosts events and farmers' markets.

Vancouver Waterfront:...