Clark County history: Vancouver’s Old City Cemetery the resting place for many of Vancouver’s founders

Entering Vancouver’s Old City Cemetery from 13th Street and walking down the well-worn road, it’s hard to miss the tall stone pillar on the left marking Judge Columbia Lancaster’s plot. He traveled here by wagon train and made significant contributions to Washington Territorial history.

Lancaster practiced law in Michigan, Ohio and Vancouver. From 1847-49, he served as the seventh supreme judge of Oregon’s provisional government. He built one of the oldest mansions in Clark County (now a private home) near Ridgefield. He served as Washington Territory’s first congressional representative (1854-1855) and helped negotiate the purchase of Hudson’s Bay Company property for the United States. He won elections for Clark County sheriff in 1867 and 1871.

Other pioneers reside nearby. Considered