About the Vancouver, Camas and Battle Ground, Washington Area 

A brief look back at Clark County history:
Clark County is the oldest county in Washington State! It is home to one of the oldest settlements in Washington, the city of Vancouver. Before non-natives arrived in the area, the notion of the mighty Columbia River was no more than a fairy tale that folks referred to as “the Great River of the West.” It was an American trader named Robert Gray who set the record straight during his own voyage of the Columbia. Gray is probably the man due recognition for discovering this land, however, the city of Vancouver happens to be named after one who never actually set eyes on the place! It was William Broughton, a lieutenant serving under Captain George Vancouver, who as he drifted by named this point of land in honor of his commander.
In 1825, Dr. John McLoughlin located the northwest headquarters of the Hudson’s Bay Company from Astoria to “Fort Vancouver,” incorporating the name found on Broughton’s map which was titled, “Point Vancouver.” Clark County was formed in 1844 and originally named Vancouver County and five years later, changed to “Clark County,” the name we know today. In 1846, American control was extended north to the 49th parallel. The northwest became part of the United States! What a young America we have; in only 159 years, there has been tremendous growth!
More and more settlers were drawn to the beautiful northwest area. The Hudson’s Bay Company eventually gave up its Fort and trading business, thus giving birth to the real City of Vancouver. The turn of the century brought the first rail line east through the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, and a railroad bridge was opened south across the Columbia in 1910. Finally, in 1917, the Interstate Bridge was completed. When American explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark camped in Vancouver 200 years ago, Lewis reported that the area was “the only desired situation for settlement west of the Rocky Mountains.” Clearly, his statement still hold true today as Clark County is the home of over 345,000 people! The population is growing 9.9% every year, making it the second fastest growing county in Washington.
The community has preserved its history while forging new avenues of growth. One example being the oldest public square in Pacific Northwest, Esther Short Park, established in 1855. This park still exists, but now hosts a number of events each summer including concerts and open markets. Washington has also preserved the old American Dream of entrepreneurship. Small businesses provided over 50% of the states non-farm private workforce in 2003, many of these small business owners being women, minorities and home-based individuals. The city has increased opportunities for citizen involvement over the years and has built strong partnerships between city hall and the community through recognized neighborhood associations. In 1990 there were 14 recognized neighborhood associations; today there are 60 officially recognized associations. Finally, Vancouver has had the honor of the "All-America City" distinction, twice; in 1957 and in 1987. Why would you live anywhere else?
 

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