Battle Ground, Washington
City
Battle Ground Post Office
Battle Ground Post Office
Location within Clark County and Washington
Location within Clark County and Washington
Coordinates: 45°47′N 122°32′W / 45.783°N 122.533°W / 45.783; -122.533
CountryUnited States
StateWashington
CountyClark
Government
 • TypeCouncil–manager[1]
 • MayorPhilip Johnson[2]
Area
[3]
 • Total8.54 sq mi (22.13 km2)
 • Land8.54 sq mi (22.13 km2)
 • Water0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
295 ft (90 m)
Population
 (2020)[4]
 • Total20,743
 • Estimate 
(2021)[5]
21,119
 • Density2,487.65/sq mi (960.47/km2)
Time zoneUTC−8 (PST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−7 (PDT)
ZIP Code
98604
Area code360, 564
FIPS code53-04475
GNIS feature ID1530801[6]
Websitecityofbg.org

Battle Ground is a city in Clark County, Washington, United States. The population was 20,743 at the 2020 census.[4] As of 2021, its population is 21,119.[5]

History

Name

Battle Ground got its name from a standoff between a group of the Klickitat peoples and a military force from the Vancouver Barracks, which had recently transitioned to a U.S. Army post.[7][8] In 1855, when this occurred, members of the Klickitat peoples had been imprisoned at the Vancouver Barracks. The hostile conditions of their detainment inspired some of the Klickitats to decamp.[7]

This group of Klickitat peoples headed north, led by Chief Umtuch (or Umtux, according to some accounts).[7][9][10] When the community at Fort Vancouver discovered this escape, they assembled an armed contingent led by Captain William Strong to pursue the Klickitats. After great difficulty, Captain Strong's party found the Klickitats near the present-day location of downtown Battle Ground.[10]

Details of the standoff that ensued vary. However, accounts agree that Chief Umtuch and Captain Strong engaged in some sort of negotiations which resulted in the Klickitats' agreeing to return to the Barracks. After this decision though, at least one shot was fired that murdered Chief Umtuch, likely by one of Captain Strong's soldiers.[10]

The Klickitat asked Captain Strong to leave them alone so they could properly bury their chief. After some deliberation, Captain Strong agreed as long as the Klickitats promised to return to the Fort, which they did a couple of days later.[10]

As a result of this event, settlers at the fort began to refer to that site as "Strong's Battle Ground", which was later shortened to "Battle Ground". Two schools in Battle Ground are named after Captain Strong[11] and Chief Umtuch.[12]

Early settlement

Battle Ground was first settled in 1886 by Augustus H. Richter, who platted the town in 1902.[13] Battle Ground was officially incorporated on June 18, 1951. During early settlement in the area, large numbers of people populated Fort Vancouver and locations closer to the Columbia River.

Geography

Battle Ground is located about 11 miles (18 km) north northeast of Vancouver, 32 miles (51 km) south southwest of Mount St. Helens. It is near the geographical center of Clark County.[14] Battle Ground is 25.5 miles (41.0 km) from Portland, Oregon, and 161 miles (259 km) from Seattle, Washington.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.16 square miles (18.54 km2), all of its land.[15]'

Climate

Climate data for Battle Ground, Washington, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1929–present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 68
(20) 		74
(23) 		80
(27) 		91
(33) 		101
(38) 		112
(44) 		107
(42) 		105
(41) 		105
(41) 		93
(34) 		72
(22) 		65
(18) 		112
(44)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 57.4
(14.1) 		61.8
(16.6) 		70.0
(21.1) 		77.8
(25.4) 		85.3
(29.6) 		89.2
(31.8) 		94.7
(34.8) 		95.4
(35.2) 		90.8
(32.7) 		78.1
(25.6) 		63.6
(17.6) 		56.8
(13.8) 		98.1
(36.7)
Average high °F (°C) 46.1
(7.8) 		50.4
(10.2) 		54.7
(12.6) 		59.7
(15.4) 		66.5
(19.2) 		71.1
(21.7) 		78.6
(25.9) 		79.6
(26.4) 		74.5
(23.6) 		62.5
(16.9) 		51.6
(10.9) 		45.1
(7.3) 		61.7
(16.5)
Daily mean °F (°C) 39.0
(3.9) 		41.1
(5.1) 		44.7
(7.1) 		48.8
(9.3) 		54.9
(12.7) 		59.2
(15.1) 		64.6
(18.1) 		64.9
(18.3) 		60.0
(15.6) 		51.2
(10.7) 		43.5
(6.4) 		38.5
(3.6) 		50.9
(10.5)
Average low °F (°C) 31.9
(−0.1) 		31.7
(−0.2) 		34.6
(1.4) 		37.9
(3.3) 		43.3
(6.3) 		47.3
(8.5) 		50.6
(10.3) 		50.2
(10.1) 		45.6
(7.6) 		39.9
(4.4) 		35.4
(1.9) 		31.9
(−0.1) 		40.0
(4.4)
Mean minimum °F (°C) 20.5
(−6.4) 		21.8
(−5.7) 		25.8
(−3.4) 		29.4
(−1.4) 		34.0
(1.1) 		40.0
(4.4) 		43.7
(6.5) 		42.7
(5.9) 		37.3
(2.9) 		29.1
(−1.6) 		23.9
(−4.5) 		19.7
(−6.8) 		15.4
(−9.2)
Record low °F (°C) −11
(−24) 		−9
(−23) 		16
(−9) 		21
(−6) 		26
(−3) 		32
(0) 		34
(1) 		35
(2) 		26
(−3) 		19
(−7) 		4
(−16) 		−1
(−18) 		−11
(−24)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 7.20
(183) 		5.32
(135) 		5.59
(142) 		4.54
(115) 		3.36
(85) 		2.31
(59) 		0.63
(16) 		0.80
(20) 		2.20
(56) 		4.82
(122) 		7.61
(193) 		7.99
(203) 		52.37
(1,330)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 0.5
(1.3) 		0.3
(0.76) 		0.2
(0.51) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.4
(1.0) 		1.4
(3.6)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 21.4 17.8 20.7 18.4 13.6 10.7 4.2 4.3 8.5 16.0 21.2 21.7 178.5
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.7 1.6
Source: NOAA[16][17]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1960888—
19701,43861.9%
19802,77492.9%
19903,75835.5%
20009,296147.4%
201017,57189.0%
202020,74318.1%
2021 (est.)21,119[5]1.8%
U.S. Decennial Census[18]
2020 Census[4]

Between 2000 and 2005, Battle Ground ranked fourth in the state for population growth, out of 279 eligible incorporated communities.[19]

2020 census

As of the census of 2020, there were 20,743 people, and 7,093 households in the city.[4] The population density was 2,428.1 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the city was 92% White, 0.0% African American, 0.3% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, and 6.2% were from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 6.8% of the population.[4]

27.0% of the population were under 18, and 7.6% were under 5. People over 65 made up 11.3% of the population. The gender makeup was 50.9% female, and 49.1% male.[4]

The median household income was $85,943, and the per capita income was $33,333. 6.4% of the population were under the poverty line.[4]

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 17,571 people, 5,652 households, and 4,365 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,454.1 inhabitants per square mile (947.5/km2). There were 5,952 housing units at an average density of 831.3 per square mile (321.0/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 90.5% White, 0.8% African American, 0.8% Native American, 1.9% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 2.1% from other races, and 3.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.5% of the population. 15.0% were of German, 10.7% Irish, 9.9% English and 6.4% Ukrainian ancestry.[20]

There were 5,652 households, of which 50.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.7% were married couples living together, 12.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 22.8% were non-families. 17.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.09 and the average family size was 3.53.

The median age in the city was 30 years. 34.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 29.4% were from 25 to 44; 19.2% were from 45 to 64, and 7.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.0% male and 51.0% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 9,296 people, 3,071 households, and 2,346 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,552.6 inhabitants per square mile (985.6/km2). There were 3,196 housing units at an average density of 877.6 per square mile (338.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 93.81% White, 0.49% African American, 0.86% Native American, 0.72% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 1.72% from other races, and 2.28% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.14% of the population. 15.4% were of German, 11.5% United States or American, 9.4% English, 7.2% Irish, 6.1% Finnish, and 5.8% Norwegian ancestry. 94.0% spoke English, 3.9% Spanish and 1.6% Russian as their first language.

There were 3,071 households, out of which 50.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.9% were married couples living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.6% were non-families. 18.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.99 and the average family size was 3.43.

In the city, the age distribution of the population shows 36.2% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 32.9% from 25 to 44, 13.5% from 45 to 64, and 7.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $45,070, and the median income for a family was $49,876. Males had a median income of $41,133 versus $25,215 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,139. About 7.3% of families and 9.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.1% of those under age 18 and 8.4% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture

Every summer, Battle Ground hosts Harvest Days, comprising a number of community events such as parades and a chili cook-off.[21]

Battle Ground participates annually in the Portland Rose Festival's Grand Floral Parade, and 2019 marked the city's 65th float in the parade.[22] In 2006, it received the Sweepstakes Award for Most Outstanding Float in the Parade.[23]

Parks and recreation

In June 2007, the City of Battle Ground opened a 25,000 square foot skate park downtown, and in 2009, a new 13,000 square foot library.[24]

Economy

Battle Ground is at the epicenter of the growing Clark County wine industry with three wineries and one tasting room.[citation needed]

Education

Battle Ground is served by the Battle Ground School District, which includes (as of 2018):

Alternative Schools:

Chief Umtuch Primary School, the city's oldest primary school, was demolished in 2007. Lewisville Middle School was closed in 2007 but is still used for its gym, parking lot, and meetings.

Transportation

Battle Ground is accessed from Interstate 5 at exits 9 and 11 and Interstate 205 at exit 32. State Route 502 and State Route 503 intersect in Battle Ground.

Bus services are provided by the local transit authority, C-Tran, to Downtown Vancouver, Delta Park/Vanport MAX Station, Clark College, Hazel Dell, Yacolt, and the Vancouver Mall. The closest commercial airport to the city is Portland International Airport, situated 18.5 miles (29.8 km) away.

Notable people

References

  1. ^ "Form of Government". City of Battle Ground. Retrieved April 2, 2022.
  2. ^ "Meet your City Council". City of Battle Ground. Retrieved April 2, 2022.
  3. ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on October 17, 2020. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g "Explore Census Data". Explore Census Data. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  5. ^ a b c "City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2021". United States Census Bureau. June 21, 2022. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  6. ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Archived from the original on February 12, 2012. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  7. ^ a b c Deur, Douglas (2012). "An Ethnohistorical Overview of Groups with Ties to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site" (PDF). National Park Service. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 31, 2017. Retrieved December 9, 2017.
  8. ^ "Vancouver Barracks Military Association". Vancouver Barracks Military Association. Archived from the original on February 20, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2017.
  9. ^ "Proud Past: Battle Ground: City Without a Battle (1855)". Clark County Washington. 2017. Archived from the original on December 10, 2017. Retrieved December 9, 2017.
  10. ^ a b c d Strong, Thomas Nelson (1906). Cathlamet on the Columbia. The Holy Press. pp. 82–93.
  11. ^ "Captain Strong Primary School". Captain Strong Primary School. Archived from the original on October 16, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  12. ^ "Chief Umtuch Middle School". Chief Umtuch Middle School. Archived from the original on October 16, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  13. ^ Meany, Edmond S. (1923). Origin of Washington geographic names. Seattle: University of Washington Press. p. 15. Archived from the original on January 24, 2021. Retrieved July 18, 2016.
  14. ^ Caldbick, John. "Battle Ground". HistoryLink.org. Archived from the original on October 19, 2019. Retrieved October 19, 2019.
  15. ^ "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 25, 2012. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
  16. ^ "NOWData - NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved October 15, 2022.
  17. ^ "Summary of Monthly Normals 1991-2020". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved October 15, 2022.
  18. ^ United States Census Bureau. "Census of Population and Housing". Archived from the original on April 26, 2015. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
  19. ^ "April 1 official population estimates | Office of Financial Management". www.ofm.wa.gov. Archived from the original on July 19, 2017. Retrieved January 24, 2021.
  20. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on August 4, 2018. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
  21. ^ "Battle Ground 54th Harvest Days". Clark County Live. Archived from the original on October 16, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  22. ^ Littman, Adam (June 6, 2019). "Popular Battle Ground resident grand marshal of Rose Festival Grand Floral Walk". The Columbian. Archived from the original on October 16, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  23. ^ Case, Marvin (June 12, 2018). "BG float parades through Portland". The Reflector. Archived from the original on October 16, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  24. ^ Harshman, Marissa. "Big Changes in Small-town Battle Ground." The Columbian. Columbian Publishing Company, 27 Feb. 2011. Web. 03 Jan. 2012. <http://www.columbian.com/news/2011/feb/27/big-changes-in-small-town-battle-ground/ Archived April 19, 2012, at the Wayback Machine>.
  25. ^ "NBA Players: Richie Frahm Profile and Basic Stats". Land of Basketball. Archived from the original on October 16, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  26. ^ Brodesser-Akner, Taffy (January 10, 2018). "Tonya Harding Would Like Her Apology Now". The New York Times. Retrieved March 8, 2022.
  27. ^ "Jonathan Jackson + Enation Release New Single". Guitar World. June 9, 2014. Archived from the original on September 20, 2018. Retrieved September 19, 2018.
  28. ^ a b Mary Ann, Albright (April 19, 2010). "A hometown for 'General Hospital,' 'One Tree Hill' stars, musicians". The Columbian. Archived from the original on October 16, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  29. ^ "Class A act". Sydney Morning Herald. July 25, 2003. Retrieved May 17, 2012.
  30. ^ Pisapia, John (July 8, 1996). "The stuff of legend". The Daily News. p. B1. Retrieved February 11, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  31. ^ "Richie Sexson Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. MLB. Archived from the original on October 16, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  32. ^ "Gerry Staley Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. MLB. Archived from the original on October 16, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.

Further reading

External links

Municipalities and communities of Clark County, Washington, United States
State of Washington
Authority control databases
Categories