Official website of the
City of Vancouver, Washington

General George C. Marshall and Vancouver

Introduction

When students of history are asked to draw up a list of America’s great generals the name of General George C. Marshall is frequently placed at or near the top. Much of the Marshall legend comes from his service as Army Chief of Staff during World War II. It is his work as a man of peace, rather than a man of war, though, that singles him out as a truly great American. His Marshall Plan for global economic recovery following World War II is an enduring model of compassion, vision and statesmanship. Prior to his assignment as Chief of Staff under President Franklin Roosevelt in 1939, General Marshall served as commander of Vancouver Barracks (1936-38) in Vancouver, Washington. While here, he supervised 27 Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps in the Pacific Northwest. It is said his work in Vancouver helped hone the skills he would later draw on to lead America’s citizen soldiers to victory in World War II. General Marshall is said to have regarded his two years in Vancouver as among the happiest of his life. Our community is proud to have touched, and been touched, by such a great man. His works, ideals and lessons must not be forgotten. General Marshall's example of courage, leadership, decency and dedication to duty and country should be trumpeted as a lesson for future generations to learn from and emulate.
-- Mayor Royce E. Pollard, Mayor of Vancouver 

Vancouver & General Marshall Celebrate Freedom

The City of Vancouver, Washington has memorialized General Marshall's example by naming an elementary school, a recreation center and park, and his military residence on Officers Row in his honor.

Celebrate Freedom is a series of festive and educational events that inspire all generations to strengthen the community values of leadership, public service, patriotism, lifelong learning and vision. Celebrate Freedom, now a program of the Fort Vancouver National Trust, was originated at the City of Vancouver.

Three of the programs of Celebrate Freedom have been created to foster public awareness of his achievements: the General George C. Marshall Lecture Series, the General George C. Marshall Public Leadership Award, and the General George C. Marshall Youth Leadership Award.