Biohazard Cleanup Near Heisson Battle Ground, WA

Battle Ground is a city in Clark County, Washington, near the geographic center of the county, about 11 miles north-northeast of Vancouver and 32 miles southwest of Mount St. Helens.

The city is named for an 1855 standoff between Klickitat people led by Chief Umtuch and a volunteer company from Fort Vancouver led by Captain William Strong — a 'battle' that was negotiated rather than fought.

After the Klickitat agreed to return to Fort Vancouver, Chief Umtuch was killed by a single shot during the standoff; Captain Strong allowed his people to bury him privately, and settlers dubbed the site 'Strong's Battle Ground,' later shortened to Battle Ground.

Two Battle Ground schools memorialize the two leaders from 1855: Captain Strong Elementary School and Chief Umtuch Middle School.

Battle Ground was first settled in 1886 by Augustus H. Richter, was platted in 1902 after the railroad arrived, and was officially incorporated on June 18, 1951, making it the most recent Clark County city to incorporate.

The 2020 census counted 20,743 people, 7,178 households, and 5,275 families in Battle Ground.

Battle Ground's population nearly doubled between 2000 and 2010 (from 9,296 to 17,571), and between 2000 and 2005 it ranked fourth in Washington for population growth among incorporated communities.

The Battle Ground School District, formed by consolidating dozens of small local districts, serves more than 13,000 students across central Clark County.

Every summer Battle Ground hosts Harvest Days, a community festival with parades and a chili cook-off.

Battle Ground sends a float to the Portland Rose Festival's Grand Floral Parade — its 65th float marched in 2019 — and won the parade's Sweepstakes Award for Most Outstanding Float in 2006.