Event
Old John: A Portrait of Persistence
This event has already occurred. This page is provided for reference only.
Fee:
Free.Location: LAT/LONG: 45.626202, -122.656637
Fort Vancouver Visitor Center, 1501 E Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661
Dates & Times
Date:
Saturday, November 22, 2025
Time:
1:00 PM
Duration:
1 hour
Type of Event
Talk
Description
Long before the first settlers arrived in the Troutdale area, a Native American man known as Old John lived in a plankhouse along the Columbia Slough. He remained there until his death in 1893.
This program will introduce you to Old John and his family, and share how they adapted to the many changes brought by settlers. While history books often focus on the loss of Native cultures, this talk will highlight how Old John used his deep knowledge of the land and people to stay in his homeland—his illahee—and become a respected part of the changing community.
This talk will be presented by Melissa Darby, Senior Archaeologist/Historian, Lower Columbia Research & Archaeology LLC.