Fort Vancouver Cultural Landscape Report

HISTORIC CHARACTER AREAS

Based on the historic research and landscape analysis, seven historic character areas were identified in the landscape evaluation. Character areas are defined by the historic land use patterns, the physiographic qualities of the landscape (topography, vegetation, natural features, etc.), the historical significance of the area, the type and concentration of cultural landscape resources, and visual character. These character areas define the overall historic landscape organization of Fort Vancouver.

ADMINISTRATIVE AREA

Stockade

The stockade served as the administrative headquarters and supply depot for all Fort Vancouver operations. It was located in the western third of Fort Plain, on gently sloping land above the normal flood zone. The stockade was a dense concentration of structures that included administrative clings, dwellings, service and civic buildings, and industry-related structures. The primary architectural style of the buildings, was Canadian style, a style common to Canada and the fur-trading industry. The buildings were sited along the perimeter of the stockade and the interior of the stockade was divided into two courtyards. Generally, service buildings were primarily located in the western courtyard (storehouses), and a variety of buildings were located in the eastern courtyard (dwellings, administration, industry). In addition to the structures, there were numerous small-scale features including fences, belfries, wells, flagstaffs, cannons, and privies. The stockade was the administrative and geographical core of the landscape.

AGRICULTURAL AREAS

Culivated Fields, Pastures, the Garden, and the Orchard

In addition to fur-trading operations, Fort Vancouver also developed into a vast agricultural enterprise. Individual agricultural operations which consisted of cultivated fields, livestock pastures, the garden, and the orchard, developed into distinct character areas.

Agricultural fields were located on the gently sloping river plain (but above the normal flood zone), on open land that was easily cultivated. The fields were located north, east, and south of the stockade and were enclosed with fences to protect them from livestock. In 1844, cultivated crops in the fields adjacent to the stockade included barley, stares, potatoes, and clover.

Livestock pastures were located in the vicinity of the stockade but on land less suitable for cultivation such as land that frequently flooded, partially wooded land, or land located on steeper slopes. Pastures were located between the Columbia River and the stockade, and on the hill north of Upper Mill Road. The pastures were periodically seeded with timothy and clover. The pastures were not fenced and livestock were allowed to wander freely on the plain.

The garden was located directly behind (north) the stockade for easy access. It was primarily used for local subsistence by the officers, of the HBC, and select visitors and guests. It also served as a pleasure garden for Chief Factor McLoughlin's guests, and as a nursery for the HBC and settlers in the region. The garden was fenced and contained about eight acres laid out in a grid pattern, with nine large beds divided by wide lanes or paths. There were a few structures and small-scale features in the garden including a summerhouse, a well, four to five cold (or hot) frames. A tremendous variety of fruit trees, vegetables, and flowers were cultivated in the garden.

The orchard was located due west of the garden and was easily accessible from the stockade. The fruit trees were planted in a grid pattern with trees planted about thirty to forty feet on center. In 1844, a fence enclosed an area between Upper Mill Road, the river road, Lower Mill Road and the garden. The planted area of the orchard was smaller than the fenced area; it extended from Upper Mill Road to a line parallel to the stockade's north wall. Documentation indicates, the primary fruit trees, planted in the orchard were apple trees with some peach and pear trees.

INDUSTRIAL AREA

River Front

The river front area consisted of a collection of industry-related structures located near the Columbia River shore, clustered around a pond. The buildings in the area supported mixed industrial uses including boat building, coopering, and storage facilities. In addition, there was a hospital, several dwellings, and livestock buildings. The area was defined by the Columbia River, two roads, and a coniferous forest. There was some riparian vegetation in the area.

RESIDENTIAL AREA

Kanaka Village

Kanaka Village, a cluster of HBC employee dwellings, was located west of the stockade in the oak savannah transition zone between the river plain and the conifer forest. Historically there were thirty to fifty structures in the area, arranged along streets or lanes. Documentation indicates most structures were small, wood buildings constructed in the Canadian Style. The yards of some houses were enclosed with fences. The north and east boundaries of the area were defined by Upper Mill Road and the river road, the south boundary by the river and river front development, and the west edge was loosely defined by the forest edge.

SERVICE/CIVIC AREAS

Building corridor north of Upper Mill Road, and barn complex.

There were two primary service and civic areas at Fort Vancouver, both were located north of Upper Mill Road. Structures included in these areas were barns, a stable, a grist mill, a church, schoolhouses, and a dwelling.

The west service/civic area was a loose arrangement of structures located in the oak savannah transition zone, on a gentle slope, north-northwest of the stockade. The area was located on land not as suitable for cultivation. The structures were located in close proximity to Upper Mill Road and were oriented towards stockade.

The second service area was the barn complex which was a cluster of agricultural structures located north of Upper Mill Road. It was located in close proximity to cultivated fields and the stockade for easy access. The number and specific type of structures in the area is unclear. The barn complex was sited in an open meadow with slightly steeper terrain located north of the structures.

RIPARIAN AREA

The riparian area was a lush band of deciduous riparian vegetation located along the Columbia River. This area was relatively undeveloped although the gravel beach was sometimes used informally for moorage, and a few structures were located at the east end, near the shore. The area acted as an edge between the fort's pastures and the river.

CEMETERY

The HBC cemetery was located on gently sloping land in the oak savannah transition zone northwest of the stockade. It was accessible to the stockade but separated from developed areas. The site was a partially wooded meadow with oaks, "trees in flower", and wild flowers. It was enclosed by a fence and some graves were marked by palisades or stones & logs.

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