Spode tureen lid, Watteau pattern
Spode tureen lid, Watteau pattern Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
White clay pipes impressed with intricate designs
White clay pipes impressed with intricate designs
Portrait of David McLoughlin, Dr. John McLoughlin's brother. Painted o...
Portrait of David McLoughlin, Dr. John McLoughlin's brother. Painted on ivory.
Bulldog skull found at Vancouver Barracks
This bulldog skull was found by archaeologists working in Vancouver Barracks. It likely came from a dog kept by the soldiers at the barracks in the 19th or 20th centuries.
Watch from the Collection of Dr. John McLoughlin
An image of a watch formerly belonging to Dr. John McLoughlin in the collection of Fort Vancouver NHS. According to one narrative, this watch was carried by Dr. John McLoughlin across the continent in 1824. Bel... More
2. Pre-1824 Indian Country - Public domain old map
Map from the 2006 Cultural Landscape Report showing the pre-1824 landscape
Tipsu - Grass, Fort Vancouver national historic site
"Tipsu," is the Chinuk Wawa word for “grass.” It is pronounced as it is spelled: “tip-soo.” The site where the reconstructed Fort Vancouver stands today was once a large, grassy prairie, maintained by Native p... More
Mulak - Elk, Fort Vancouver national historic site
"Mulak” is the Chinuk Wawa word for “elk.” It is pronounced “MOO-lahk.” The location where Fort Vancouver stands was once the site of a large prairie, created by Indigenous peoples using controlled burns. Sele... More
Ambrotype photograph of Dr. John McLoughlin's three granddaughters
Ambrotype photograph of Dr. John McLoughlin's three granddaughters Public domain photograph, Victorian style, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Lipum - Apple, Fort Vancouver national historic site
“Lipum,” is the Chinuk Wawa word for “apple.” It is pronounced “lee-poom.” The “p” in this word should sound somewhere between an English “p” sound and an English “b” sound. This photograph comes from the reco... More
Chikhәmin - Coins - National Parks Gallery
"Chikhәmin" is the Chinuk Wawa word for "coins." It is pronounced like "CHICK-uh-min." This artifact from our museum collection, found by archaeologists in the area where the Fort Vancouver employee Village on... More
Musmus - Cow, Fort Vancouver national historic site
"Musmus” is the Chinuk Wawa word for “cow.” It is pronounced “MOOS-moos.” Though it might seem like this word is derived from, well, the sound a cow makes, it actually originated from similar words in the Chino... More
National parks: Kitchen - public domain image
Fort Vancouver. The kitchen, originally built in 1837-1838 and reconstructed in 1976, is located to the back of the Chief Factor's House. It is connected to the main house by a short, enclosed passageway, which... More
Chief Factor's House - National Parks Gallery
Fort Vancouver. The Chief Factor's House, originally built in 1837-1838, was reconstructed in 1976. Located near the north entrance inside the stockade, the house is a one and one-half story structure. There ar... More
Wash House, Fort Vancouver national historic site
Fort Vancouver. The original wash house was built around 1840, and the building was reconstructed in 1976. the The board-covered roof has exposed rafters and a false brick chimney. Three wood plank doors are po... More
Indian Trade Store - National Parks Gallery
Fort Vancouver. The original Indian Trade Shop and Dispensary was built during the years 1836-1841. The reconstruction was completed in 1981. It is a one and one-half story building of post-on-still constructio... More
Blacksmith Shop, Fort Vancouver national historic site
Fort Vancouver. The blacksmith shop was built between 1836 and 1841, and the current building was reconstructed in 1981. The exterior walls are constructed of chinked, horizontal infill timbers placed between v... More
National parks: Jail - public domain image
Fort Vancouver. The original jail was built between 1841 and 1844; this reconstruction dates to 2001. The gable roof has wood shingles and exposed rafters. Instead of windows, there are two square openings that... More
Ats - Sister, Fort Vancouver national historic site
"Ats" is the Chinuk Wawa word for “sister.” It is pronounced with a long “a” sound, like “ahts.” This photo from our museum collection shows the three granddaughters of Marguerite and Dr. John McLoughlin, Fort... More
Fur Store, Fort Vancouver national historic site
Fort Vancouver. The fur warehouse was reconstructed in 1992-1994, based on the original warehouse built in 1841. It is the largest reconstructed building in the fort stockade and represents one of the four simi... More
Lahash - Axe, Fort Vancouver national historic site
"Lahash” is the Chinuk Wawa word for “axe.” This word is pronounced as it is spelled, with a long “a” sound – like “la-hahsh.” While some axes were imported to Fort Vancouver from England, they were generally ... More
Ina - Beaver, Fort Vancouver national historic site
"Ina” is the Chinuk Wawa word for “beaver.” It is pronounced “EE-nuh.” Beavers were an important part of the Northwest economy both before and after the arrival of the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1825. The luxurio... More
Paya - Fire, Fort Vancouver national historic site
"Paya” is the Chinuk Wawa word for “fire.” It is pronounced “PIE-yah.” In 1844, a fire threatened to burn down Fort Vancouver. Learn more about this historic event at fova/planyourvisit/campfiresandcandlelight.htm
Bakehouse and Two Privies - Public Domain image, National Parks Galler...
Fort Vancouver. The bakehouse, originally built in 1844, was reconstructed in 1974. The building is a one and one-half story, rectangular building with a gable roof and lean-to over back ovens. Wood shingles co... More
Wam-iliʔi - Summertime - National Parks Gallery
"Wam-iliʔi” is the Chinuk Wawa word for “summertime.” It is pronounced “WAHM ILL-uh-ee.” ʔ is the symbol for a glottal stop, a sound that most English speakers are familiar with as the sound between the syllabl... More
Carpenter's Shop, Fort Vancouver national historic site
Fort Vancouver. The carpenter shop was originally built in 1844-45. This reconstruction was built in 1997. It is a one-story building with a gable roof covered in boards. Exterior walls are constructed of chink... More
Saplel - Grain, wheat, flour, bread
"Saplel” is the Chinuk Wawa word for grain, wheat, flour, or bread. It is pronounced “SAHP-lull.” The “p” sound in this word should sound somewhere between an English “p” and “b” sound. The origin of this word... More
Fort Vancouver, Fort Vancouver national historic site
Bastion Fort Vancouver bastion tower. First constructed by Hudson's Bay Company in 1845.
Bastion and Stockade Wall - Public Domain image, National Parks Galler...
Fort Vancouver. The full extent of the stockade was constructed prior to 1845, and it was reconstructed between 1966 and 1973. Its construction incorporates the use of ten to thirteen-inch diameter posts (calle... More
Restored Well and Reconstructed Well Sweep
Fort Vancouver. The well is the only original structure remaining in the Hudson's Bay Company stockade. Originally built around 1845, it was excavated in 1955 and rehabilitated in 1974. It was historically used... More
Counting House, Fort Vancouver national historic site
Fort Vancouver. The original counting house was built in 1845. This structure, reconstructed in 2003, is a one and one-half story building. The hip roof has wood shingles and exposed rafters. Exterior walls are... More
Snas - To rain - National Parks Gallery
"Snas” is the Chinuk Wawa word for “to rain.” It is pronounced “snahs,” with a long “a” sound. This word can be used as both the verb "to rain" and the noun "rain." Rainy weather was common in Vancouver in the... More
3. Map of 1824-1846 HBC Period - Public domain old map
Map from the 2006 Cultural Landscape Report showing the landscape during the HBC era 1824-1846
4. Fort Vancouver & Vancouver Barracks 1847-1860
Map from the 2006 Cultural Landscape Report showing the landscape from 1847 to 1860
Tsiltsil - Buttons - National Parks Gallery
"Tsiltsil” is the Chinuk Wawa word for “buttons.” It can also mean "stars." It is pronounced TSIL-tsil. Use the "short" i sound to say this word, as in the English word "bit." These small buttons were found by... More
ɬush-tәmәm - Happy - National Parks Gallery
“ɬush-tәmәm” is the Chinuk Wawa word for “happy.” It is pronounced “ɬoosh-DUM-dum.” To pronounce "ɬ," put your tongue behind your two front teeth as through you were going to say the word “love,” then blow air ... More
8th Battery football team at Vancouver Barracks
The 8th Battery's football team pose with their dog mascots at Vancouver Barracks, ca. 1903.
Dog mascot of the 8th Battery at Vancouver Barracks
This photo shows one of the 8th Battery's dog mascots at Vancouver Barracks, ca. 1903.
Barracks and Parade Ground at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Early 20th century barracks. In 1903-1907, the southern edge of the Parade Ground became the site of the new headquarters building and four barracks.
Dogs of the 8th Battery at Vancouver Barracks
This photo shows two of the dogs kept at Vancouver Barracks with soldiers of the 8th Battery, ca. 1903.
Barracks and Parade Ground at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
The southern edge of the Parade Ground became the site of the new headquarters building and four barracks built in 1903-1907. Of the four barracks that flanked the headquarters building (building 991) three bar... More
North elevation of Building 987, ca. 1907
North elevation of Building 987, ca. 1907
Barracks and Parade Ground at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
The southern edge of the Parade Ground became the site of the new headquarters building and four barracks built in 1903-1907. Of the four barracks that flanked the headquarters building (building 991) three bar... More
Vented Window Protection - National Parks Gallery
Vented window protection provides security and air circulation for this historic building in East Barracks.
Tassels, Step 3 - National Parks Gallery
Cut a piece of yarn or floss 8 inches long (or double the length of your cardboard) and fold it in half. Tape it across the top of the cardboard, with the loop on one side and the loose ends on the other. This ... More
Tanis - To dance - National Parks Gallery
"Tanis” is the Chinuk Wawa word for “to dance.” It is pronounced “TAH-niss.”
Hihi - To play - National Parks Gallery
"Hihi” is the Chinuk Wawa word for “to play.” It is pronounced “HEE-hee.” It can also mean "to laugh," as in the sentence "Ikta mayka hihi?" or "What are you laughing about?" The game of Hoop and Stick, seen i... More
North elevation porch columns removed for restoration
North elevation porch columns from Building 987 were removed for restoration.
Fort Vancouver Cultural Landscape - Public domain map
Fort Vancouver. A closer look at the boundary of the Fort Vancouver component landscape identifies some of the reconstructed features that suggest the historic landscape, including the fort stockade, garden, or... More
Chich - Grandmother, Fort Vancouver national historic site
"Chich” is the Chinuk Wawa word for “grandmother.” When you say it, the "i" in this word should sound like the "i" in the English word "itch." This photo from our museum collection is the only known image of M... More
Front Entrance Path - National Parks Gallery
Fort Vancouver. The entrance path to the fort is considered a compatible feature of the historic landscape. The north entrance to the fort was historically accessed by a wagon road, about 12-15 feet wide and pr... More
Kәmtәks - To know, understand, remember
Ma kәmtәks chinuk-wawa? Do you know Chinuk Wawa? "Kәmtәks" is the Chinuk Wawa word for “to know, understand, or remember.” It is pronounced like “COME-ducks.”
Resource Compliance Work by Park Archaeologist
Elaine Dorset, a park archaeologist, digs a test pit as part of resource compliance work undertaken by the National Park Service. Throughout Year 1, Elaine and other park archaeologists conducted testing of var... More
Restored porch columns - National Parks Gallery
In this photo, the columns from the Building 987 porch have had their previous layers of paint removed, and are set upright to be re-painted.
NPS Contractor Initiates Repairs to Electrical Service
An NPS electrical contractor re-installs a hazard power pole serving Buildings 991 and 993 in East Barracks.
Tassels, Step 4 - National Parks Gallery
Start wrapping your yarn or floss around the cardboard, lengthwise. Make sure you are wrapping across/over the string you taped to the top of your cardboard. The more you wrap, the fuller your tassel will be. W... More
Initiating Repairs to Damaged Water Line
NPS crews work to expose water line leak and begin repairs in East Vancouver Barracks behind Double Infantry Barracks I (Bldg. 987).
Chxi-san - Morning - National Parks Gallery
"Chxi-san” is the Chinuk Wawa word for “morning,” and can specifically refer to the early morning. This word is pronounced “CHEE-san.” According to documents kept by the people who lived at Fort Vancouver, the... More
Restored north side of Building 987
This photo shows the north side of Building 987, with its restored windows, doors, columns, and railings in place, as well as fresh paint.
NPS Staff Investigates Leaking Water Line
NPS staff investigates one of numerous water line leaks in East & South Vancouver Barracks.
Huyhuy - To trade - National Parks Gallery
"Huyhuy” is the Chinuk Wawa word for “to trade.” Pronounce this word with a short “u” sound, as in the English word “put.” An important function of the Chinuk Wawa language was to facilitate trade among Northw... More
NPS Contractor Conducts Repairs to Electrical Service
An NPS contractor conducts repairs to an electrical service pole in conjunction with other infrastructure upgrades at East & South Vancouver Barracks.
Building 987 stairwell - National Parks Gallery
The flooring on Building 987's stairwells was restored, as was the building's tin ceiling tiles.
Liphret - Priest, Fort Vancouver national historic site
"Liphret" is the Chinuk Wawa word for “priest.” It is pronounced “luh-PRET,” and comes from the French word “le prêtre.” Missionaries, both Catholic and Protestant, passed through Fort Vancouver in the course ... More
Tsәqw - Water, Fort Vancouver national historic site
"Tsәqw" is the Chinuk Wawa word for “water.” It can also refer to a stream, or a body of water. It is pronounced “tsuck.”
Tk'up - White, Fort Vancouver national historic site
"Tk'up" is the Chinuk Wawa word for "white." It is pronounced "tuh-KOOP." The apostrophe represents a glottal stop, which most English speakers recognize as the sound between the syllables in "uh-oh."
Hihi - To laugh - National Parks Gallery
"Hihi” is the Chinuk Wawa word for “to laugh.” It is pronounced HEE-hee. To use it in a sentence, say "Ikta mayka hihi?" which means "What are you laughing at?" Learn more about Chinuk Wawa and its importance ... More
Careful demolition of components of the interior of Building 987
Inside Building 987, modern additions and floor coverings are removed.
Tassels, Step 6-2 - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Cut the wrapped yarn or floss along the bottom and take it off the cardboard. Your tassel is almost ready. Don't worry if a few strings fall out.
5. U.S. Army Period 1861-1916 - Public domain map
Map from the 2006 Cultural Landscape Report showing the landscape from 1861 to 1916
Pomanders, Step 1 - National Parks Gallery
Wash and dry the orange. Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
North elevation porch columns removed for restoration
Previous layers of paint were removed from each column.
Emergency Repair to Antiquated Water Line
Emergency repair to an antiquated water line near the Double Infantry Barracks (Bldg. 987) stops a costly water leak. Throughought Year 1, the National Park Service completed a number of emergency water line re... More
Pomanders, Step 2 - National Parks Gallery
If desired, mark a pattern for the cloves on the orange peel with a pen. You may want to make holes with a fork tine, toothpick, or awl to make it easier to insert the cloves. Just make sure that your holes are... More
Wooden Screening Provides Added Security
The NPS added wooden screening to protect the front porches of East Barracks buildings that face the historic parade Ground.
Skakhwәl - Pacific lamprey - National Parks Gallery
"Skakhwәl” is the Chinuk Wawa name for the Pacific lamprey. It is pronounced “SKAH-kwull.” To the Indigenous peoples living in the Columbia River Basin, the Pacific lamprey was an important source of food. The... More
Tassels, Step 7-2 - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Cut a 10-inch piece of string. You can match the color to your tassel or use a contrasting color. Tie the string around the tassel, ½ inch down from the top. Wrap the string around the tassel 8 to 10 times, the... More
Travel Back in Time - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
The reconstructed fort at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is always free for youth aged 15 years and younger.
Tәnәs-khul- iliʔi - Autumn - Public Domain image, National Parks Galle...
“Tәnәs-khul- iliʔi” is the Chinuk Wawa word for “autumn.” It is pronounced like “ton-us cool ILL-uh-ee.” The special symbol before the last “i" in this word is the symbol for a glottal stop, a sound that most E... More
Village Entrance Gate - National Parks Gallery
Fort Vancouver. The original Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) Village Entry Gate was built around the 1830s. This reconstruction dates to 2001. The gate is outside the stockade at the village site, at the junction of... More
Musum - To sleep - National Parks Gallery
"Musum” is the Chinuk Wawa word for “to sleep.” It is pronounced “MOOS-um.” Use this word in a sentence by saying “nayka musum” (I am sleeping), or “mayka musum” (you are sleeping). To tell someone to “sleep we... More
Building 987's second floor interior
In this photo of Building 987's second floor interior, restored wood floors and windows can be seen.
NPS Begins Emergency Repairs - Public Domain image, National Parks Gal...
NPS staff exposes leaking water main in South Barracks to begin repairs.
Smuk - To smoke tobacco - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
“Smuk” is the Chinuk Wawa word for “smoke” or “to smoke tobacco.” It is pronounced with a long “u” sound, like “smook.” People of the 19th century had did not have our modern understanding of the harmful side ... More
Khamusak - Beads, Fort Vancouver national historic site
"Khamusak” is the Chinuk Wawa word for “beads.” It is pronounced “kah-MOH-sahk.” There are over 120,000 glass beads in the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site museum collection. Of these, there are over 160 ... More
NPS Staff Investigate Water Leak
NPS maintenance staff investigate the source of one of many water leaks in the East and South Barracks.
Before Repair: Gutter at Historic Gymnasium
Close-up of the gutter of the historic post Gymnasium (Bldg. 721) before repair. Working in partnership with the U.S. Army, the park ensured repair to a failing roof and rain gutter system, thus avoiding irrepa... More
T'alapas - Coyote, Fort Vancouver national historic site
"T’alapas” is the Chinuk Wawa word for “coyote.” It is pronounced “t’ALL-uh-pus.” The apostrophe in t’alapas represents a glottal stop – a sound like the break in the English word “uh-oh.” Coyote is an importa... More
ɬaxayam - Hello, Goodbye - National Parks Gallery
. The Chinuk Wawa word “ɬaxayam” is a universal greeting that can mean either “hello” or “goodbye.” It is pronounced “ɬa-HIGH-um.” To pronounce the “barred L” symbol, put your tongue behind your two front teet... More
Protective & Aesthetic Plexiglass Window Treatment
Plexiglass closure work on this north-facing window of Double Infantry Barracks 2 (Bldg 989) ensures both security and air circulation while retaining the aesthetic view from the park's historic Parade Ground.
Collecting Public Opinion through the Master Planning Process
The park's chief ranger & historian, Greg Shine, captures input from a member of the public during a public meeting for the master planning process. Supported by extensive public comment and input, the plan’s p... More
Fenced Field near Fort Vancouver
Fort Vancouver. Several fields around the fort that would have been cultivated fields during the HBC era have been delineated by fences. The park limits mowing in order to allow vegetation to grow to several fe... More
K’wishәn - To toast - National Parks Gallery
"K’wishәn” is the Chinuk Wawa word fo “to toast food over coals or flame.” To pronounce k’wishәn, start with a click sound in the back of your throat, as when you pronounce the “ck” sound in the English word “s... More
Cultural Landscape Hierarchy Map - Public domain map
Fort Vancouver. The Fort Vancouver cultural landscape, outlined in red, is one component within the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. The overall area has a concentration of historic buildings, reconstruct... More
Detail of Plexiglass Fastener Allowing Air Circulation
Plexiglass fasteners such as this one provide for building air circulation while ensuring an aestheticly pleasing look at the historic Parade Ground.
North elevation porch columns removed for restoration
Each removed porch column from Building 987 was numbered so that it could be replaced in its original location.
Pomanders, Step 4 - National Parks Gallery
Optional: Combine cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, and roll the clove-studded orange in this spice mixture.
Masi - Thank you - National Parks Gallery
"Masi” is the Chinuk Wawa word for “thank you,” and comes from the French "merci." It is pronounced "MAH-see."
Tassels, Step 5 - National Parks Gallery
Tie the top piece of yarn or floss, the one that will be your hanger, into a slip knot by pulling the loose ends through the loop end. Make sure that it is as close to the top edge of the cardboard as possible ... More
National parks: Garden - public domain image
Fort Vancouver. An interpretive garden was planted in 1974 to the north of the fort reconstruction. Although its location and size are not historic, it is in the general location of the historic garden and plan... More