Fort Vancouver Historic Structures Report

Construction details

Between the remains of the building discovered during archeological excavations and the glimpse of the structure given in the 1860 photograph, the dimensions, materials, and construction of the Root House are known in considerable detail. Undoubtedly a reexcavation of the site in the presence of an historical architect would provide additional facts.

Rotted wooden sills, situated forty inches below the present ground surface (the depth of the historic ground level at this point was not mentioned by Mr. Caywood), outlined a structure with a north-south length of fifty-five feet and a width of twenty-one feet. Charred remains of a wooden floor were found. No evidence of wood or stone walls seems to have been uncovered at the portions excavated, although the existence of wooden walls is not necessarily eliminated by this fact. Along the earthen east wall there was evidence of two posts projecting at an upward angle. Mr. Caywood believed they "may have been part of the low gable roof which came to the ground line." [10]

The 1860 photograph shows that the roof was formed of vertically laid planks, probably lapped "board and batten" fashion. The ridge boards were also heavy planks (see Plate XXVIII, vol. I).

The location and style of the entrance are not known, but further careful archeological excavations at the site might reveal traces of a stairway or other evidence that would throw light on this matter. Comparative studies of European and American root houses of the same or an earlier time undoubtedly would provide other clues as to typical construction details for this type of structure.