Nestled along the banks of the Columbia River, Hudson’s Bay Company’s (HBC) Fort Vancouver holds a rich history that intertwines with the legacy of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. With roots stretching back over 10,000 years, the Fort—on land once called by the Cowlitz people, alashikash (a place for turtles)—offers a connection to the land and waterways that define their heritage. It is a great spot for locals and visitors alike to check out and gain a better understanding of the history and people that shaped our region.
A Historical Overview
Considered by some to be the “birthplace of Washington State,” given its status as the first establishment made north of the Columbia River, Fort Vancouver may look out of place today as it stands next to the rapidly expanding city of Vancouver. HBC used Fort Vancouver as a hub for trade and expansion into the Puget Sound and British Columbia. The placement of the Fort quickly forged a close relationship between the Cowlitz people and the HBC.
The Fort was established in 1825 by the Hudson’s Bay Company, and its location was chosen largely due to the HBC’s long-standing relationship with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Chief Scanewa. Chief Scanewa’s influence in the region and trade routes led to the Fort’s early success, and forever linked the Cowlitz Indian Tribe with the Fort. Fort Vancouver was strategically placed at the beginning of the Cowlitz Trail, a trade route that took the path of what is now I-5.
While Fort Vancouver and the arrival of HBC led to an increase in trade opportunities for the Cowlitz hunters, trappers and traders, the new settlers also forced a blending of cultures, as the Cowlitz people navigated the complexities of European influence while striving to maintain their traditions and identity. The Fort serves as a physical representation of the cultural crossroads that many indigenous tribes faced in the early 1800s, embodying the complex interactions between Native peoples and European settlers.
Fort Vancouver quickly became a hub for many Cowlitz families, before their lands were taken and they were dispersed throughout Washington State. While the Tribe did not gain federal recognition or a reservation until the 2000s, the Fort offers a reminder of the area’s connection to the Cowlitz people, who have stewarded the land since time immemorial, even before the Fort’s inception.
Modern Day Reflections
Fort Vancouver remains a symbol of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s early influence in Clark County. The site is now a National Historic Site, where visitors can learn about the interactions between the Cowlitz Tribe and early settlers.
Through educational programs and events, the Tribe shares their history, emphasizing the importance of preserving their culture and the land they have called home for millennia.
Fort Vancouver stands not just as a historical landmark, but as a living reminder of the enduring spirit of the Cowlitz people and their vital role in the history of the Pacific Northwest. A trip to the Fort will not only enrich your understanding of local history but also foster a deeper appreciation for the cultural narratives that shape our shared past.