explore fort vancouver
George C. Marshall
Before becoming a General during World War II and serving as Secretary of State under President Harry Truman, Marshall was stationed at Vancouver Barracks from 1936 to 1938.
Prior to rising to prominence as a pivotal figure of World War II and the architect of the post-war European recovery program known as the Marshall Plan, George C. Marshall spent significant early years of his career at Vancouver Barracks, a military outpost at Fort Vancouver.
At The Fort
In 1936, then Colonel Marshall was assigned as commander of the 5th Infantry Brigade at Vancouver Barracks. His leadership here was part of a career that honed his strategic and diplomatic skills, laying the foundation for his later role as U.S. Army Chief of Staff and Secretary of State.
While at Vancouver Barracks, Marshall was responsible for coordinating the training and readiness of the units under his command, managing the fort's day-to-day operations, and maintaining peaceful relations with local communities. His tenure at the Barracks was marked by his exemplary leadership and administrative competence, which later became hallmarks of his career.
Marshall's time at Vancouver Barracks was also notable for his involvement in local civil works projects, including a federal initiative aimed at providing employment during the Great Depression. He oversaw the construction of infrastructure projects by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a program that provided job training and employment for young men.
After two years at Vancouver Barracks, Marshall was reassigned in 1938. His leadership at the Barracks was a stepping stone to his influential roles during World War II and the subsequent reconstruction of Europe.
Today, George C. Marshall's legacy at Fort Vancouver is commemorated at the Marshall House, his former residence at Vancouver Barracks. The house is now a museum that highlights his life and contributions, serving as a reminder of the fort's significant role in shaping the careers of future leaders and its place in American 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.