Northwest bastion: The U.S. Army barracks at Vancouver, 1849-1916 - Softcover

Van Arsdol, Ted

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0963074105 ISBN 13: 9780963074102

Publisher: Heritage Trust of Clark County, 1991

Synopsis

The U.S. Army, obeying the command, arrived May 13, 1849, to establish a military presence north of the Columbia River. The Hudson's Bay Co. moved from the Bastion to Victoria on Vancouver Island and slowly sold or abandoned its holding below the 49th parallel. A new chapter began in American history that year, as the bugle call was heard up and down the Columbia River. The United States extended from "sea to shining sea" and the country began to develop fully its economic, social, and cultural identity. Ch. 1 speaks of the Ninth Regiment stationed at Fort Vancouver and the famous Shanghai drill that was performed daily. The Indian Frontier (1849-1860) is the title of the first chapter. Ch. 2 talks of Volunteers Take Over (1861-1866) because the Civil War was beginning, and an early effect of that war was the removal of most regular Army units. Trained soldiers were required in the East. Some officers resigned and joined the Confede rates. This era at the fort was called the volunteer era. They had to let go of men like Sheridan, Augur, an Ingalls, and a Grant. Ch. 3 is about Pacifying The Natives (1867-1882) and the worry for Indian Tribes in the area. The troops at Vancouver were called out to curb tribes in the surrounding area. By 1882 the last Indian war of the Pacific NW was fought, and transition was under way into a different era. Ch. 4 speaks of Marking Time (1883-1898) because during this time the life of the fort was a round of dinner parties, dances, and theatricals. Ch. 5 is all about preparing troops for overseas duty, hence, Troops For Overseas (1898-1906). They were going "to the front" - artillery troops were leaving for Cuba from Vancouver. And later for the Philippines. Ch. 6 is called, Heading to Armageddon (1907-1916). Germany was exercising an expanding role in Europe at this time. Initially there were no big concerns about building up armed forces. 7 yrs. later this all changed.

Edition details

• Publisher: Heritage Trust of Clark County
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0963074105
• ISBN 13: 9780963074102
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 110