My family and I visited Fort Vancouver for their annual Fourth of July fireworks display. It is a very large park located in Vancouver, Washington, with historic and archeological exhibits and information. It is just over the bridge from Portland, Oregon. There were vendor booths and live music. Many people camped out all afternoon, picnicking and playing on the grass.
The jewel of the park is the re-creation of the original fort that was run by the Hudson Trading Company in the 1800's. Trappers would bring in furs and receive supplies in exchange. The fort has been recreated in great detail and is a source of archeological information about that time period.
People at the fort gather for a meal, prepared in pots or ovens in a traditional way. Fort Vancouver runs several educational programs for youth, who learn firsthand what it would have been like to live during that time.
Editor's Note: Click on any photo to enlarge it.
By Jess from Hillsboro, OR
Great photos. We definitely need to take the kids up to see the fort. They think they have it so hard with their "chores". If only they knew.
I really enjoyed reading about this! Your photos are terrific, especially the ones of the fireworks. (I love fireworks!) If I am ever in that area, I would like to visit this historic fort.
