Battle Ground, Washington

Battle Ground is a city in Clark County, Washington, United States. The population was 20,743 at the 2020 census. As of 2022, its population is 21,628.

Name
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. In 1855, when this occurred, members of the Klickitat peoples had been imprisoned at the Vancouver Barracks. The hostile conditions of their detainment inspired some of the Klickitats to decamp.

This group of Klickitat peoples headed north, led by Chief Umtuch (or Umtux, according to some accounts). When the community at Fort Vancouver discovered this escape, they assembled an armed contingent led by Captain William Strong to pursue the Klickitats. After great difficulty, Captain Strong's party found the Klickitats near the present-day location of downtown Battle Ground.

Details of the standoff that ensued vary. However, accounts agree that Chief Umtuch and Captain Strong engaged in some sort of negotiations which resulted in the Klickitats' agreeing to return to the Barracks. After this decision though, at least one shot was fired that murdered Chief Umtuch, likely by one of Captain Strong's soldiers.

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

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". Two schools in Battle Ground are named after Captain Strong and Chief Umtuch.

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

Later development
The population of Battle Ground doubled in size between 2000 and 2010, becoming the second-largest city in Clark County. The city opened a community center in 2008 and a new public library in 2009.

Geography
Battle Ground is located about 11 mi north northeast of Vancouver, 32 mi south southwest of Mount St. Helens. It is near the geographical center of Clark County. Battle Ground is 25.5 mi from Portland, Oregon, and 161 mi from Seattle, Washington.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.68 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
Between 2000 and 2005, Battle Ground ranked fourth in the state for population growth, out of 279 eligible incorporated communities.

2020 census
As of the 2020 census, there were 20,743 people, and 7,178 households, and 5,275 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,428.1 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the city was 92% White, 0.0% African American, 0.3% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, and 6.2% were from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 6.8% of the population.

27.0% of the population were under 18, and 7.6% were under 5. People over 65 made up 11.3% of the population. The gender makeup was 50.9% female, and 49.1% male.

The median household income was $85,943, and the per capita income was $33,333. 6.4% of the population were under the poverty line.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 17,571 people, 5,652 households, and 4,365 families residing in the city. The population density was 2454.1 PD/sqmi. There were 5,952 housing units at an average density of 831.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 90.5% White, 0.8% African American, 0.8% Native American, 1.9% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 2.1% from other races, and 3.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.5% of the population. 15.0% were of German, 10.7% Irish, 9.9% English and 6.4% Ukrainian ancestry.

There were 5,652 households, of which 50.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.7% were married couples living together, 12.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 22.8% were non-families. 17.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.09 and the average family size was 3.53.

The median age in the city was 30 years. 34.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 29.4% were from 25 to 44; 19.2% were from 45 to 64, and 7.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.0% male and 51.0% female.

2000 census
As of the 2000 census, there were 9,296 people, 3,071 households, and 2,346 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,552.6 PD/sqmi. There were 3,196 housing units at an average density of 877.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.81% White, 0.49% African American, 0.86% Native American, 0.72% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 1.72% from other races, and 2.28% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.14% of the population. 15.4% were of German, 11.5% United States or American, 9.4% English, 7.2% Irish, 6.1% Finnish, and 5.8% Norwegian ancestry. 94.0% spoke English, 3.9% Spanish and 1.6% Russian as their first language.

There were 3,071 households, out of which 50.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.9% were married couples living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.6% were non-families. 18.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.99 and the average family size was 3.43.

In the city, the age distribution of the population shows 36.2% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 32.9% from 25 to 44, 13.5% from 45 to 64, and 7.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $45,070, and the median income for a family was $49,876. Males had a median income of $41,133 versus $25,215 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,139. About 7.3% of families and 9.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.1% of those under age 18 and 8.4% of those age 65 or over.

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

Battle Ground participates annually in the Portland Rose Festival's Grand Floral Parade, and 2019 marked the city's 65th float in the parade. In 2006, it received the Sweepstakes Award for Most Outstanding Float in the Parade.

Parks and recreation
Battle Ground contains 22 parks with a total of 72.8 acre of park space and an additional 206 acre of open space reserves in five areas. Of these parks, seven are classified as "undeveloped".

Undeveloped areas include Durkee Park, a 35 acre plot located west of the city center off SR 502. The undeveloped land was donated by a local family in 1997 and meant to be used as a nature trail site. The city planned to use the grounds for a sports complex but the original owners prefer the original trail use idea. As of 2024, the final use of the property is still undecided. Neighboring sites, 4.5 acre Remy Park and 13 acre Gardner Oaks, are planned to include a variety of playgrounds, pet areas, and fitness and sports related activities. Remy Park, which includes an existing trail, encompasses a total of 80.2 acre but the parcel is limited for development. Developed parks include Fairgrounds Park, which hosts several ballfields.

In June 2007, the city of Battle Ground opened a 25,000 sqft skate park in downtown.

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

Education
Battle Ground is served by the Battle Ground School District, which includes (as of 2018):
 * Amboy Middle School (Grades 5-8)
 * Battle Ground High School (Grades 9-12)
 * Captain Strong Elementary School (Grades 1-4)
 * Chief Umtuch Middle School (Grades 5-8)
 * Daybreak Primary School (Grades 1-4)
 * Daybreak Middle School (Grades 5-8)
 * Glenwood Heights Primary School (Grades 1-4)
 * Laurin Middle School (Grades 5-8)
 * Maple Grove Primary School (Grades 1-4)
 * Pleasant Valley Middle School (Grades 5-8)
 * Pleasant Valley Primary School (Grades 1-4)
 * Prairie High School (Vancouver, Washington) (Grades 9-12)
 * Tukes Valley Primary School (Grades 1-4)
 * Tukes Valley Middle School (Grades 5-8)
 * Yacolt Primary School (Grades 1-4)

Alternative Schools:
 * CASEE (Center for Agriculture, Science and Environmental Education.)
 * Summit View – (Grades 9-12)
 * Community Education
 * River HomeLink (Grades K-12)
 * Battle Ground Virtual Academy (Grades K-12)
 * CAM Academy (Grades 3-12)
 * Columbia Kids Preschool & Sprouting Seeds (Grades K-8)

Chief Umtuch Primary School, the city's oldest primary school, was demolished in 2007. Lewisville Middle School was closed in 2007 but is still used for its gym, parking lot, and meetings.

Transportation
Battle Ground is accessed from Interstate 5 at exits 9 and 11 and Interstate 205 at exit 32. State Route 502 and State Route 503 intersect in Battle Ground.

Bus services are provided by the local transit authority, C-Tran, to Downtown Vancouver, Delta Park/Vanport station (served by the MAX Light Rail system), Clark College, Hazel Dell, Yacolt, and the Vancouver Mall. The closest commercial airport to the city is Portland International Airport, situated 18.5 mi away.

Notable people

 * Richie Frahm, professional basketball player
 * Tonya Harding, figure skater
 * Rob Hotchkiss, musician
 * Jonathan Jackson, actor
 * Bethany Joy Lenz, actress
 * Zia McCabe, musician
 * Kaleb McGary, professional football player
 * Arnold Riegger, sport shooter and Olympian
 * Richie Sexson, professional baseball player
 * Gerry Staley, professional baseball player