explore fort vancouver
Oliver Otis Howard
A Civil War veteran and advocate for African American education, Howard served at Vancouver Barracks and was instrumental in negotiations during the Nez Perce War. Howard University in Washington D.C. is named in his honor.
General Oliver Otis Howard, an influential figure in American military history and civil rights, held a significant command at Vancouver Barracks, the military installment at Fort Vancouver, in the late 19th century.
At The Fort
A Civil War hero and a central figure in post-war Reconstruction efforts, General Howard was named Commander of the Department of the Columbia in 1874, which established his headquarters at Vancouver Barracks. This position gave him command over military operations in the Pacific Northwest, covering the vast territory from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, and from California to Alaska.
During his tenure at Vancouver Barracks, Howard was heavily involved in the Indian Wars, a series of conflicts between the U.S. military and Native American tribes resisting displacement from their lands. Howard's reputation as a humane officer and devout Christian led to his involvement in negotiations with tribal leaders, most notably Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce tribe. While these negotiations were often contentious, Howard aimed for peaceful resolutions, though they were not always achievable.
Simultaneously, Howard continued his advocacy for education and civil rights, which he had begun as the founding commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau after the Civil War. From Vancouver Barracks, Howard directed the establishment of schools across the Pacific Northwest, believing education to be a vital component of the region's development.
General Howard left Vancouver Barracks in 1880. His command marked a significant period in the Barracks' history, reflecting both the U.S. military's increasing dominance in the West and the ongoing conflicts with Native American tribes.
Remembered for his military service, advocacy for education, and dedication to civil rights, General O.O. Howard's tenure at Vancouver Barracks remains a noteworthy part of the rich history of Fort Vancouver, illustrating the site's evolving role throughout the 19th century.
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.