explore fort vancouver
Major John S. Hatheway
After the HBC's withdrawal, the U.S. Army took control of the site, establishing Columbia Barracks (later renamed Vancouver Barracks). Major Hatheway was one of the earliest American military commanders at the site.
Major John S. Hatheway, an American military officer, played a pivotal role in transitioning Fort Vancouver from a Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) trading post to a U.S. Army outpost, known as Columbia Barracks, later renamed Vancouver Barracks.
At The Fort
Following the Oregon Treaty in 1846, which resolved territorial disputes between the British and Americans over the Oregon Country, the HBC gradually withdrew its presence from Fort Vancouver. In response to the departure of the HBC, the U.S. Army took control of the site in 1849 to protect American interests in the region.
Major Hatheway was among the first U.S. military commanders stationed at Fort Vancouver, responsible for overseeing the establishment of the Army's presence there. Under his command, the U.S. Army transitioned the fort from a fur trading post to a military installation, renaming it Columbia Barracks.
During his tenure, Hatheway ensured that the post continued its important role as a central hub in the region, but now focused on military logistics and operations rather than trade. The fort's strategic location on the Columbia River made it an ideal site for launching military expeditions, aiding settlers, and interacting with local Native American tribes.
In the following years, the Columbia Barracks expanded, and the site later became known as Vancouver Barracks, serving as the U.S. Army's regional headquarters for the Department of the Columbia.
Major John S. Hatheway's leadership at Fort Vancouver marked a significant transition in the fort's history. His efforts laid the groundwork for the U.S. Army's presence in the Pacific Northwest, helping to secure American interests in the region following the departure of the HBC. Today, Hatheway's impact is part of the rich tapestry of Fort Vancouver's history, representing the era of American military influence that followed the period of British commercial dominance.
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.