Book excerpt: Stretching along the north shore of the Columbia River, Vancouver, Washington, is the gateway to the state of Washington. Beginning as a wilderness outpost for the Hudson's Bay Company, Vancouver has seen many, often rapid changes. In its early years as an Army town, Vancouver attracted settlers seeking the security of the military. Farms and orchards prospered. Shipyards and the defense industry brought explosive growth during both world wars, each followed by a devastating slump. New highways and bridges brought more growth through the last half of the 20th century. The city grew to the north and the east. Through all the changes, the resiliency of the city and its people shone through, and as changes alter the present-day city, that tradition is certain to continue.