In 2026, Vancouver, Washington, joins communities across the nation in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This milestone offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on our shared past, better understand our present, and imagine our collective future through the lens of place, people, and democracy.
Grounded in Washington State’s America 250 themes—The Power of Place, Sharing History, and We the People—Vancouver’s commemoration highlights the local stories, landscapes, and communities that help shape our shared sense of identity.
Beyond special events, Vancouver offers year-round ways to connect with history and place. Vancouver’s history is inseparable from its geography. Located along the Columbia River, this area has long been a gathering place for Indigenous peoples, traders, settlers, and communities whose stories continue to shape the region today.