History
Battle Ground is a fast growing, full service City surrounded by country landscape. Conveniently located within 15 minutes from either I-5 or I-205, Battle Ground is 25 minutes away from downtown Vancouver, 35 minutes from Portland City Center, 25 minutes from Portland Airport and 15 minutes from Westfield Shoppingtown in Vancouver.
A RICH HISTORY ENHANCES THE AREA
This was dubbed "Battle Ground" several years before it was occupied by home steaders. Settlement in the area at the time was mostly near Fort Vancouver and other river sites. While relations between Indian tribes and white settlers throughout the Northwest was festering in 1855 into deadly skirmishes, a band of local tribesmen left their "protective custody" at the Fort. After catching up with the Indians, a volunteer army and the band held a peacemaking exercise. It was soon discovered that the chief had been accidentally killed. After being promised that the band would return to the Fort, Captain William Strong allowed a traditional burial of the chief. Upon the army's return without the Indians the settlers at the Fort chided the soldiers for not waging a battle and called the area Strong's Battle Ground. This was later shortened to Battle Ground. The exact location is unknown, however, tradition says it was in the valley east of Battle Ground Lake .
Battle Ground's first namesake post office was the area near Battle Ground Lake and the first Battle Ground School was at the entrance of the current Battle Ground Lake State Park . The town assumed the name, Battle Ground, when the railroad came through the area. "Old" Battle Ground became "Crawford" and a Battle Ground depot was established at the current site. Although first platted in 1902 and 1903, the town was not incorporated until 1951 when it began providing water, sewer, and police and fire protection.
A TOWN THAT'S IN THE HEART OF EVERYTHING
Battle Ground is a small, but fast growing city surrounded by country landscapes. Conveniently located only 15 minutes from either I-5 or I-205, Battle Ground residents have easy access to the Portland-Vancouver Metro Area's amenities and conveniences such as the Portland International Airport.
Opportunities for recreation cannot be over-emphasized and are attributes, which have kept generations of families here and lured others. Among the attractions are Battle Ground Lake State Park, The Lewis River (North and East Forks), Lewisville Park , The new Skate Park at Fairgrounds Park and other lakes, streams, and forest recreation areas.
From mountain top to ocean beach within a day's drive! Residents who ski, fish, wind-surf, hike, hunt, go boating, golf, go horseback riding, swim, sight-see, or attend major professional sporting events have the opportunity to savor these activities. Who can resist Mt. Hood , Mt. St. Helens, or the Columbia River Gorge!
FAMILIES ENJOY YEAR ROUND ACTIVITIES
Among the foremost sponsors of family activities are the Chamber of Commerce, 4-H, Little League, Soccer, Scouts, Campfire, Kiwanis, Rotary, GFWC, Lions, support groups for the Public Library and The North County Community Food Bank, Battle Ground Public Schools, and it's Community Education Department.
Special annual events are anticipated with excitement: A community-wide effort to enter a float in the all floral Portland Rose Parade brings home many prizes; eggs and prizes await youngsters at the Easter time egg hunt; "Harvest Days" provides several days of games, food, and entertainment; the Ladybug Bazaar displays gifts for everyone at Clark County's oldest craft fair. Who can resist cheering on the tournament-bound athletic and academic teams of the Battle Ground Public Schools?
BATTLE GROUND IS UNIQUE
Battle Ground is nestled at the foot of the Cascade Mountains , but is only 280' above sea level. Although sometimes refreshingly wet (average rainfall is 48 inches), the winter are mild to moderate. Average summer temperatures are around 75° and winters average 42° with a growing season of about 154 days.
Although the population is small at 19,075, an active and caring business community serves Battle Ground.
Currently Battle Ground is poised and experiencing exponential growth with new schools, neighborhoods and shopping centers as well as the New Battle Ground Best Western Inn & Suites. Battle Ground Village will be opening in July 2007 with a European village filled with cafes, shops and a growth plan to include a trail of walkways an outdoor ampitheater and mixed use commercial development. Visit www.bgvillage.com for more information. The City of Battle Ground is poised to begin Phase II re-development of Fairgrounds Park as the June 2, 2007 Grand Opening of the New Skate Park is unveiled. Check out the Skate Park Grand Opening here at http://cityofbg.org/docs/parks/skate_park_flyer.pdf.
Driving times to more extensive services are: Vancouver Mall, 15 minutes; Portland City Center, 35 minutes; and Portland Airport, 25 minutes. Olympia is two hours away and Seattle is about a three-hour drive. Battle Ground residents can drive to ocean beaches in 1½ to 2 hours; to boating, sailing, and windsurfing in 30 minutes to one hour, and skiing in 1½ hours. Yes! Battle Ground is a great place to live, play, raise a family and retire!
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