The fur-trading headquarters of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Columbia Department, Fort Vancouver was the political, cultural, and commercial center of the Pacific Coast during the early 1800s, with influence stretching from Alaska to San Fransisco, and from the Rocky Mountains to Hawaii. The site is a history lovers’ paradise, with a modern-day replica of the fort that can be explored. The site also features the Vancouver Barracks, one of the most historic military posts in the United States. Next door is the Pearson Air Museum, which provides exhibits on aviation at Pearson Field, from its start as a military airfield, to being the site of the world’s largest lumber mill, to its current commercial use. Lastly, across the river in Oregon City, is the McLoughlin House Site. This preserved house served as the residence of Dr. John McLoughlin, first mayor of Oregon City and “Father of Oregon,” who after overseeing trade operations at Fort Vancouver, dedicated his life to assisting the lives of emigrants who settled in Oregon City, the historic end of the Oregon Trail. These four sites make up the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and provide a well-rounded history of the Pacific Northwest’s incorporation into the United States.
