Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Fort Vancouver National Historic Site also includes the McLoughlin House Unit in Oregon City, Oregon. Please be considerate of other fans’ opinions.
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Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, the only unit of the national park system in the Portland/Vancouver Metropolitan Area, is the Pacific Northwest's premier historical archaeology and living history site and home of Pearson Air Museum. Nestled snugly today in the Vancouver/Portland metropolitan area and enveloped by its highway, rail, air, and maritime commercial networks, Fort Vancouver is a

gem of a park whose story as an economic and cultural center - told, in part, through engaging programs and a world-class archaeology collection - fascinatingly portends that of the modern-day Pacific Northwest. This historic site includes the home in which Dr. John McLoughlin, Fort Vancouver's Chief Factor, who later became known as the "Father of Oregon," lived, and the home of Forbes Barclay. For official information about Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, please visit our web site at: http://www.nps.gov/fova. For information about the McLoughlin House Unit, visit http://www.nps.gov/fova/historyculture/mcloughlin-house.htm

General Information
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Welcome to the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site page. We hope this will become a place where fans feel comfortable sharing information and experiences about Fort Vancouver National Historic Site with one another. While this is an open forum, it is also a family friendly one, so please keep your comments and wall posts clean. In addition to keeping it family friendly, we ask that you follow our posting guidelines here. If you do not comply, your message will be removed. We do not allow graphic, obscene, explicit or racial comments or submissions, nor do we allow comments that are abusive, hateful or intended to defame anyone or any organization. We do not allow solicitations or advertisements. This includes promotion or endorsement of any financial, commercial or non-governmental agency. Such posts and/or links are subject to deletion. People who continue to post such content and/or links may be subject to page participation restrictions and/or removal from the page. We do not allow attempts to defame or defraud any financial, commercial or non-governmental agency. We do not allow comments that suggest or encourage illegal activity. You participate at your own risk, taking personal responsibility for your comments, your username and any information provided. Posting of external links on this site that are intended as advertising (or to drive traffic to websites unrelated to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site), or postings that do not contribute to dialog and discussions about Fort Vancouver and/or the original posting may be deleted. People who continue to post such links may be subject to page participation restrictions and/or removal from the page. External links do not constitute official endorsement on behalf of the U.S. National Park Service or the U.S. Department of Interior.

Join us for the Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony on Monday, May 25, at 10:00 a.m. at the historic Vancouver Barracks Pa...
05/23/2026

Join us for the Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony on Monday, May 25, at 10:00 a.m. at the historic Vancouver Barracks Parade Ground next to the park's garrison flag.

This annual community ceremony honors the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to the nation. The program will include military honors, patriotic music, ceremonial elements, and remarks recognizing the sacrifice and legacy of America’s fallen service members.

The Vancouver Barracks has served as an active military post since 1849, making it a meaningful place for remembrance and reflection on Memorial Day.

Additional event details can be found here at https://cmac11.com/event/memorial-day/.

Join us at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center on Saturday, May 16 at 1:00 p.m. for a presentation by Fort Vancouver volun...
05/11/2026

Join us at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center on Saturday, May 16 at 1:00 p.m. for a presentation by Fort Vancouver volunteer Alex Lennox exploring what happened after the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. This talk examines how the eruption reshaped the landscape and affected nearby communities, highlighting the region’s ongoing story of change, resilience, and recovery. This free program will take place in the Visitor Center Theater and is open to the public. Reservations are available at https://www.friendsfortvancouver.site/

On May 9th at 1pm, join local author Patty Grasher at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center for a special talk celebrating E...
05/02/2026

On May 9th at 1pm, join local author Patty Grasher at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center for a special talk celebrating Explore Vancouver Washington: A Local Guide to Southwest Washington!

Learn how Fort Vancouver connects Indigenous history, the Hudson’s Bay Company, and the U.S. Army to the stories visitors experience today.

On April 18 at 10am, the annual Chief Redheart Memorial Ceremony takes place at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.Ho...
04/16/2026

On April 18 at 10am, the annual Chief Redheart Memorial Ceremony takes place at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.

Hosted in partnership the Nez Perce Tribe and City of Vancouver this event honors Chief Redheart’s band of Nimíipuu (Nez Perce).

Step back into the 1840s and make your own handmade toy!Join us for a Corn Husk Doll Workshop on April 18 at 12:30 pm, l...
04/11/2026

Step back into the 1840s and make your own handmade toy!

Join us for a Corn Husk Doll Workshop on April 18 at 12:30 pm, located next to the Visitor Center in the Annex. Learn how to tie, fold, and shape natural corn husks into a traditional doll—then take it home.

This is a fee-based program, and advance registration is required. Reserve your seat at https://www.friendsfortvancouver.site/.

All materials are provided.

Saturday, April 11 at 1pm, discover the life and legacy of Major General Oliver Otis Howard. Friends of Fort Vancouver N...
04/07/2026

Saturday, April 11 at 1pm, discover the life and legacy of Major General Oliver Otis Howard. Friends of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site host a special presentation by author Aaron Jones, based on his book The Great Task of Oliver Otis Howard. This program will explore his Civil War service, later role in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Northwest, including his connection to Vancouver Barracks.

Come deepen your understanding of the people and stories that shaped Vancouver Barracks and the Pacific Northwest. Reserve your seat at the Friends of Fort Vancouver.

03/31/2026

An inspiring evening with local literary historian Betty Bell, presented in partnership with the Clark County Historical Museum, will explore the remarkable story of Vancouver poet Mary Barnard.

On Thursday, April 2, from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center, Bell will share engaging storytelling and readings from Barnard’s work, highlighting the vivid imagery and precise language that made her a treasured voice in American poetry.

Reserve you seat now through Clark County Historical Museum.

American Conservation Experience, in partnership with the National Park Service, is looking for two people to join the T...
03/19/2026

American Conservation Experience, in partnership with the National Park Service, is looking for two people to join the Traditional Trades Advancement Program at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. This paid, 26‑week opportunity begins June 8, 2026, and offers hands-on experience in historic preservation, horticulture, carpentry, cultural landscape work, and more. No prior horticulture experience is required, just an interest in learning and working outdoors alongside skilled park staff.

Participants receive training, professional development support, and the chance to build valuable experience for future conservation or preservation careers. Housing may be available.

To be considered, you must apply through the link:
https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/1288664

The Spirit Pole by Yakama Nation artist Toma Villa has anchored our visitor center lobby for ten years, originally insta...
03/17/2026

The Spirit Pole by Yakama Nation artist Toma Villa has anchored our visitor center lobby for ten years, originally installed in honor of the National Park Service Centennial. This month, the park facility manager and one of our exhibit specialist volunteers are finishing some minor repairs and preventive care to ensure it stands strong for years to come. This artwork honors the resources of the Pacific Northwest and the enduring connection to the Columbia River. See the Spirit Pole and other Tribal art at the Visitor Center during normal park hours, Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00AM to 4:00PM.

Saturday, March 14, 2026, join us at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center as we commemorate K-9 Veterans Day with a special...
03/06/2026

Saturday, March 14, 2026, join us at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center as we commemorate K-9 Veterans Day with a special program honoring the service of military working dogs and the many roles dogs have played in our shared history.

From 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, experience demonstrations, BARK Ranger activities, and on-leash training with Sassafras Patterdale, CPDT-KA; learn about the life of a Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue dog; and hear about the site’s canine heroes from the Friends of Fort Vancouver. This is a free, family-friendly program.

Dogs are welcome on leash in outdoor areas; only service animals are permitted inside the Visitor Center.

Artist Credit: Pamela Gunn

Address

800 Hatheway Road, Bldg. 722
Vancouver, WA
98661

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+13608166230

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