The Vancouver Land Bridge, also commonly known as “the Confluence Project,” is a 40-foot wide and earth-covered pedestrian bridge that links the historic Fort Vancouver with the Columbia River Waterfront. The bridge is a beautiful reminder of the harmonious past between European and Native American culture. The Indigenous plants lining its walls andThe earth covered bridge is a unique and beautiful way to reconnect historic Fort Vancouver with the Columbia River waterfront. The south entrance can be found at Old Apple Tree Park, while there’s also a northern one just west of this landmark. In addition, it crosses over WA-14 too.
The site is one where history was made. The Hudson’s Bay Company in Vancouver, WA stood as the first European trading post in the Pacific Northwest, and this would later become Fort Vancouver – Lewis & Clark camped here too. For centuries, the Hudson’s Bay Company has been a significant player in North American history. It started out as just one small trading post on this site and eventually became known far beyond their original borders due to circumstances that made them a significant Founding Father of our country itself.
The southern end of this bridge has a Welcome Gate designed by Native American artist Lillian Pitt. The two cedar canoe panels are adorned with cast-glass sculptures that signify how it was considered a historic tribal crossroads and contact between European Americans, enslaved Africans introduced into America through torture tactics such as slavery or forced march from their homes in Africa to be sold.
When the Klickitat Trail was severed, it deprived Native American tribes of an essential connection to their Columbia River heritage. But now, with construction on Highway 14 and railroad plans in place for years ahead, this link can be renewed as Vancouver Land Bridge reconnects them once again.
The Confluence Project is an ambitious effort to commemorate the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial and honor one of our area’s most intriguing histories. The project included a series of events, starting with the Vancouver Land Bridge. The Confluence Project was a collaboration between tribes, groups, and artists to celebrate the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial. The project also aimed at highlighting this area’s rich history by creating interactive exhibits that give guests an immersive experience with traditional skills such as crafting baskets or braiding hopscotch stones into patterns.
The project integrates many green elements, including stormwater storage and reuse for irrigation. It also includes a rain garden and native landscaping that will help reduce this heat source’s effects on local water sources such as streams or rivers when it rains heavily. The design of the building itself has been carefully thought-out, so all parts work together in harmony while expressing our message about sustainability through architectural features.
Water Resources Education Center
Western Pacific Roofing of Vancouver
