Fort Vancouver Historic Structures Report

Recommendations

Although the archeological excavations of 1952 probably destroyed any traces which might have remained of the well house at Well No. 1, it is suggested that additional searching be done. The most promising areas appear to lie to the south and east of the 1952 excavations, which may not have extended far enough at this site to reach the footings.

It is also recommended that a search be made on and near the site of the Beef Store for possible remains of the well shown in the Emmons ground plan. It would also be desirable to explore the site of the device which seems to be a fire-fighting pump shown in the courtyard in the 1860 photographs. It is possible that a well might also be found in that location.

There seems little chance that further excavation at Well No. 2 will reveal important information about a structure which must have at least roofed that feature. On the other hand, such work seems to offer the only hope of learning anything about the aboveground appearance of the well.