Battle Ground is a city in Clark County, Washington, United States. The population was 17,571 at the 2010 census. Between 2000 and 2005, Battle Ground ranked fourth in the state for population growth, out of 279 eligible incorporated communities. Take a look below for our list of 20 fascinating and amazing facts about Battle Ground, Washington, United States.

1. 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.

2. In 1855, when this occurred, members of the Klickitat peoples had been imprisoned at the Vancouver Barracks.

3. The hostile conditions of their detainment inspired some of the Klickitats to decamp.

4. This group of Klickitat peoples headed North, led by Chief Umtuch (or Umtux, according to some accounts).

5. When the community at Fort Vancouver discovered this escape, they assembled an armed contingent led by Captain William Strong to pursue the Klickitats.

6. After great difficulty, Captain Strong’s party found the Klickitats near the present-day location of downtown Battle Ground.

7. Details of the standoff that ensued vary. However, indisputably, Chief Umtuch and Captain Strong engaged in some sort of negotiations which resulted in the Klickitats’ agreeing to return to the Barracks.

8. After this decision though, at least one shot was fired that murdered Chief Umtuch, likely by one of Captain Strong’s soldiers.

9. The Klickitat asked Captain Strong to leave them alone so they could properly bury their chief. 

10. 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.

11. 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”.

12. Two currently operating schools in Battle Ground are named after Captain Strong and Chief Umtuch.

13. Battle Ground was first settled in 1886, by Augustus H. Richter, who platted the town in 1902.

14. 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.

15. Battle Ground is located about 11 miles (18 km) north northeast of Vancouver, 32 miles (51 km) south southwest of Mount St. Helens.

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

17. Battle Ground participates annually in the Portland Rose Festival’s Grand Floral Parade, and 2019 marked the city’s 65th float in the parade.

18. In 2006, it received the Sweepstakes Award for Most Outstanding Float In The Parade.

19. 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.

20. Battle Ground is also at the epicenter of the growing Clark County wine industry with three wineries and one tasting room.