The Discovery Historic Loop Trail in Vancouver, Washington, runs from historic Fort Vancouver National Historic Site across the Confluence Land Bridge designed by architect Johnpaul Jones, in collaboration with artist Maya Lin, to the Old Apple Tree Park. Along the Vancouver Land Bridge there are several displays and murals depicting historical events.
Spirit Baskets
Long before Europeans arrived in the area, Native peoples recorded their histories on rock in the form of pictographs (paintings on rock) and petroglyphs (carving on rock). Spirit Baskets, inspired by the Columbia River petroglyphs, were created by artist Lillian Pitt.
Columbia River Trade Network
According to one of the displays:
“The Columbia River Basin has served as an extensive commerce and trade network for thousands of years. Widespread exchange of goods contributed to the cultural and economic vitality of Pacific Northwest native peoples. Their trading territory was vast, stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Rocky Mountains, and from southern Oregon northward to Canada’s Fraser River.”
Native American Salmon Fishing
According to one of the displays:
“Abundant fisheries of the Columbia River provided a rich and dependable food source that was central to the culture and economy of local native people. For thousands of years, indigenous groups harvested salmon while inhabiting seasonal fishing camps; one such camp occupied this area until the establishment of the Fort Vancouver trading post.”
According to the display:
“Columbia River native people employed a variety of fishing techniques. Salmon were taken along rivers and streams using dip nets, spears, harpoons, or gaff hooks.”
Writing in 1859, Lieutenant Lawrence Kip describes Indian fishing on the Columbia River:
“Little bridges are thrown out over the rocks, on which the Indians post themselves, with nets on hoops, to which long handles are attached. With these they scoop up the fish and throw them on the shore. They are then pounded fine between two stones, cured, and tightly packed in bales of grass matting lined with dried fish-skin, in which state they will be kept for years.”
It is estimated that the aboriginal salmon harvest along the Columbia River was about 18 million pounds. Among the Indians along the Columbia River, it is estimated that salmon provided at least 40 percent of their total calories.
Columbia River Basketry
According to one of the displays:
“Archaeological records show that Columbia Basin native people have crafted and used basketry for a very long time. The earliest fragments of Plateau Basketry are dated at least 9,0000 years old. An intricate and creative art, basket making involves building the shape of the basket while at the same time weaving decorations and patterns into the work.”
According to the display:
“Baskets were traditionally made during the long winter months. Basketry techniques were used to make containers and cooking vessels, mats, floor coverings, chests, cradles, hats, clothing, burden baskets, carrying straps, and flat and round bags. Large bags and baskets were used to store dried foods and various other belongings. Both functional and expressive, these various baskets record the unique traditions, symbols, and stories of native culture.”
Fort Vancouver
he Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) established Fort Vancouver 100 miles above the mouth of the Columbia River in 1825. From this location, HBC could control trade in the Columbia Basin. HBC brought in Métis and Iroquois from Canada as well as Kanakas from Hawaii. The area around Fort Vancouver had good soil which allowed HBC to cultivate crops and raise livestock. According to the display:
“This site was at the confluence of an extensive Cascade Mountains trail network traversed by interior native peoples, and the river corridor traveled by the Columbia Basin native peoples.”
History Panels