explore fort vancouver
Ulysses S. Grant
Before he became a Civil War General and the 18th President of the United States, Grant served as quartermaster at Vancouver Barracks from 1852 to 1853.
Before Ulysses S. Grant ascended to prominence as a Civil War General and eventually the 18th President of the United States, he served at Vancouver Barracks, the military outpost at Fort Vancouver, which offered a unique vantage point of the Pacific Northwest frontier.
At The Fort
In 1852, Lieutenant Ulysses S. Grant was assigned to the 4th Infantry Regiment at Vancouver Barracks. His primary responsibility was serving as regimental quartermaster, a role that entailed managing supplies and logistics - a duty that would later prove invaluable during his Civil War leadership.
During his time at Vancouver Barracks, Grant experienced the rigors of frontier life, overseeing the construction of military roads, maintaining relations with local Native American tribes, and even managing a potato farm to supplement his military salary. His service in the Pacific Northwest also exposed him to the contentious issue of slavery's westward expansion, which would later become a central issue of the Civil War.
Grant's stay in the Pacific Northwest was, however, marred by personal challenges. He was separated from his wife, Julia, and their young family, leading to a sense of isolation and reported bouts of heavy drinking, a charge that would follow him throughout his military and political career.
After a year of service at Vancouver Barracks, Grant was reassigned and left the fort in 1853. While his time at Fort Vancouver was relatively brief, it provided him with practical experience in leadership, logistics, and frontier diplomacy, which would prove critical in his future roles.
The legacy of Ulysses S. Grant at Fort Vancouver offers a glimpse into the early career of a man who would play a pivotal role in American history. Today, his service at Vancouver Barracks is commemorated as an integral part of the fort's rich and diverse history.
The Hudsons's Bay Company
Founded in 1670, the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) is one of the oldest existing corporations in the world. Originally established by English merchants under a royal charter from King Charles II, HBC initially focused on the fur trade, operating an extensive network of trading posts across North America. The vast area over which they traded and conducted operations, known as Rupert's Land, comprised much of what is now Canada.
Key Events At The Fort
Establishment by the Hudson's Bay Company (1824): Fort Vancouver was established by the British Hudson's Bay Company as a fur trading post and the administrative center of the company's Columbia Department. Its location along the Columbia River made it a strategic hub for the lucrative fur trade and a center for agricultural production.
People At The Fort
Fort Vancouver in Vancouver, Washington, has a rich history and served as a key location for many influential individuals throughout its existence. Including dr. John McLaughlin, James Douglas, George Simpson, Peter Skene Ogden, Major John S. Hatheway, Ulysses S. Grant, General O. O. Howard, and Geroge C. Marshall.