Clark County
WAGenWeb
Clark County WAGenWeb is a free genealogical site about the history of the area. It is a member of WAGenWeb, which is a member of USGenWeb®. We hope you find helpful clues for your family history research.
Are you familiar with the area? Do you have a family tree connection to the area? Volunteers are always needed! Please consider contributing your pieces of Clark County family history. Corrections, updates, and additions to this site are always welcome. If you are interested in helping, please contact us.
Co-County Coordinators
Alice Allen dcaallen@pacifier.com
Norma Hass normahass01@gmail.com
Clark County was formed in 20 Aug 1845. It was originally named Vancouver County. Ft. Vancouver was established in 1825 by Dr. John McLoughlin of the Hudson's Bay Company. It was named in honor of Captain George Vancouver, a British explorer who never actually explored the mighty Columbia River nor saw the site of his namesake. As settlers pushed north out of Oregon to the land across the Columbia River, the Hudson's Bay Company eventually gave up its Fort and trading business in the area, and the city of Vancouver was born.
In 1849, the county was renamed in honor of William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Vancouver is the County Seat. While Clark County is the oldest county in Washington state, Vancouver is one of the oldest settlements in Washington.
Copyright © 1996 - The USGenWeb® Project, WAGenWeb, Clark County
This page was last updated
07/28/2026