Fort Vancouver

If you're living on the edge, make sure you're wearing your seat belt.

Here we are another summer almost gone and we’ve been parked in a location that was pretty much my backyard for 25 plus years. It’s amazing how you don’t take the time to really visit when you’re close by. We had done just that.

Terry had a doctor appointment and we just happened to be traveling down I-5 very close to the Old Fort Vancouver and the Vancouver Barracks. We decided to swing by. We had been here before but it was quite some time ago.

A fort was built by Hudson's Bay Company in the 1840’s to protect their fur trading business. This fort has been reconstructed and can be toured south of the Vancouver Barracks and Officer Row.

Even a garden is maintained behind the fort probably just where it was before. When we toured it the other day the pumpkins and gourds were nearly ripe. You could certainly tell that fall was in the air and Halloween and Thanksgiving not far off.

The old Vancouver Barracks have been around since about 1849 when the army arrived. The main reason for the army arriving at Fort Vancouver was to ensure the orderly settlement of the Oregon Territory. The military post had been in use for 150 years when it was closed in 2000. Today many of these old buildings are still in use.

The base is no longer an active base. It is the home for Reserves.

Fort Vancouver Barracks

There’s actually a lot to see in this area starting with Officer’s Row and working your way south to the Fort. Many old homes have been restored and are currently in use either as residences, offices and even a restaurant. A couple of these homes have been named after well known generals who served at Fort Vancouver.

Quite a few years ago the city was trying to decide what to do with these homes as none of them were up to code. It took a lot of money to bring the electrical systems up to date and in addition to that none had been properly insulated to today's standards. It was like heating the out of doors. Now most have been restored and are beautiful homes to visit.

The parade grounds by the barracks are still in use for many social events in the area. Usually on the 4th of July people from all over congregate here for one of the largest firework displays in the area. We used to crowd into the area just like everyone else.

Officer’s Row

One home was the residence of General George Marshall. He was the commander of the Vancouver Barracks for a couple years in the mid-1930’s.

George C. Marshall House

The oldest home (1855) is that named after Ulysses S. Grant. Even though Grant never lived in the home, he was stationed here prior to becoming President of the United States. Today it is a restaurant. And, you know how much we love to eat at unique restaurants. We’ve eaten here before but many, many years ago. It is now back on our virtual schedule to try to visit before we leave the area.

Ulysses S. Grant House

Actually, there is also another restaurant we want to revisit in the old city center area before we head south in a couple weeks. It’s in a Victorian home that serves Greek food. Of course, it didn’t use to serve Greek food but now it does. I’ll clue you in when (or if) we get a chance to go.