Fort Vancouver Cultural Landscape Report

METHODOLOGY AND SCOPE

The Cultural Landscape Report for Fort Vancouver consists of two main parts: 1) research, analysis and evaluation, and 2) design development. A wide range of primary and secondary sources were reviewed for the research portion of the report. The park's extensive historical files and archives were reviewed including historic photos, maps, illustrations, journals, diaries, and the records associated with numerous archeological investigations. In addition, a large body of existing historical material was also reevaluated including periodicals, special studies, U.S. Army records, and primary research books such as John Hussey's The History of Fort Vancouver and its Physical Structure (1957) and Fort Vancouver Farm (n.d.). In addition to the National Park Service files, historical research was conducted at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.; the Hudson's Bay Company Archives in Winnipeg, Canada; the Royal Provincial Archives in Victoria, British Columbia; the Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley; and the archives of several key historical societies in the Pacific Northwest. The extensive collection of archeological records, reports, and maps also played a key role in the research phase of the study. This included two new archeological projects that were completed for this report. The first project involved development of a comprehensive archeological base map for Fort Vancouver and Vancouver Barracks, based on a reconciliation of all existing archeological excavation maps. The second project utilized remote sensing, a non-invasive archeological technology, to investigate the conjectural location of several historic structures and features. Both of these projects were critical for accurately mapping confirmed and conjectural locations of non-extant historic structures and features. Based on this research, a detailed landscape history and historic base maps were prepared for six historic periods of landscape development. The landscape history and base maps are found in Volume II of this report.

In addition to historical research, all park resource and planning documents were reviewed and an inventory of existing conditions was conducted. Documentation of existing conditions included the preparation of an accurate 1:200 scale site map that was used as the primary base map for the project. In the analysis portion of the project, an evaluation of the historical research and existing conditions led to identification of key character-defining features, significant historic resources, and contemporary site impacts. This evaluation set the framework for design development.

Based on the analysis and evaluation, seven cultural landscape character areas, and five management zones were identified providing a framework for the development of a landscape design. A series of design recommendations and alternatives were developed according to the general management philosophy of the park which is to preserve, restore, and reconstruct (when appropriate) key landscape patterns and features that are critical to the park's interpretive mandate. These design alternatives were reviewed by park and regional staff. Based on this review, a preferred alternative combining elements from several plans was selected and refined. Finally, a three phase plan was developed to facilitate both short and long-term implementation of the plan.

The scope of this report was influenced by several factors. In addition to issues associated with the Vancouver Historical Commission Study and Pearson airpark, a significant portion of the cultural landscape historically associated with Fort Vancouver is outside of current park boundaries. In keeping with NPS management policy, design recommendations have been developed only for property in which the NPS has current legal interest. The portions of Vancouver Barracks within the authorized park boundaries but owned by the U.S. Army will be addressed in the research section but, with few exceptions will not be addressed in the design recommendations. Prior to any action impacting these resources, however, an evaluation of their significance and integrity should be completed.

The focus of the Cultural Landscape Report is based on the park's primary mandate, to interpret the role of the Hudson's Bay Company in the development of the Pacific Northwest. Although the historical research covers the landscape development at Fort Vancouver up to the present--including an extensive discussion of Vancouver Barracks--the primary focus of the analysis and evaluation, and design development is on the cultural landscape of the HBC occupation, specifically the principal development period, 1829-1844/46.

This report concentrates on the physical development of the fort rather than social development, therefore, the impact of the Hudson's Bay Company on Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest and at Fort Vancouver is not detailed. Additional research should be conducted for inclusion in the interpretive program.

ADMINISTRATIVE CONTEXT FOR THE PROJECT

As part of the planning process, all approved park documents and policies were reviewed and included, as appropriate, in the report's recommendations. The administrative basis of this project stems from the park's enabling legislation as well as several park planning and management documents. These documents included the Master Plan (1969 & 1978), Statement for Management (1976, 83-85), Interpretive Prospectus (1985), and the Resource Management Plan and Environmental Assessment (1986).

The following management objectives for the historic landscape were approved in the 1978 Master Plan and Statement for Management (1976, 83-85):

1) "Secure a land base through acquisition or other means that facilitates preservation of the historic scene and interpretation of the cultural resources within the historic site's authorized boundary;

2) Include a greenbelt plan for the Columbia River waterfront as an integral part of the Fort Vancouver site and strive for a physical access connection with the main fort site unit;

3) Restore the fort scene on its original location to its historic appearance insofar as is possible by planting fields, pastures, and the orchard and by reconstructing fences and roads;

4) Reconstruct . . . additional buildings outside the stockade as is necessary to enable visitors to visualize the historic fort's full range of structures and activities;

5) Ensure that visitor-use facilities and developments are compatible with the historic scene and maintained in a manner consistent with the purpose for which this historic site was established; and

6) Interpret, as the primary theme, the story of the fur trade and the important role played by the Hudson's Bay Company in the exploration, settlement, and development of the Pacific Northwest. As a second theme, interpret the story of Vancouver Barracks and the part played by the United States Army in opening the Northwest to American settlement." [8]

ENDNOTES

1. National Park Service, Fort Vancouver N.H.S. Master Plan, February, 1978.

2. Memorandum, Stephanie Toothman, Chief, Cultural Resources Division, Pacific Northwest Region, to Director, Pacific Northwest Region, October 29, 1990, Planning Division ???? Files, Pearson Correspondence 1990, PNRO.

3. A complete landscape history can be found in Volume II of this report. Cultural Landscape Report: Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Volume II.

4. Silverstein, Micheal, "Chinookans of the Lower Columbia" in Handbook of North American Indians, William C. Sturtevant general editor, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., 1990, Volume 7: Northwest Coast, pp. 533-535.

5. Carley, Caroline D., HBC Kanaka Village/Vancouver Barracks 1977, Office of Public Archeology, Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. p.3, 1982.

6. Thomas, Bryn, An Archeological Overview of Fort Vancouver, Vancouver Barracks, House of Providence, and World War II Shipyard, Clark County, Washington, Archeological and Historical Services Eastern Washington University, submitted to: National Park Service, Pacific Northwest Region, Cultural Resource Division, CA 9000-8-0008, pp. 1-2, March 1992.

7. Silverstein, "Chinookans of the Lower Columbia", p. 535.

8. National Park Service, Resource Management Plan and Environmental Assessment, 1986, pg. 1-2.