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Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Battle of the Vancouver's, there's only room for one!

If you live in Vancouver, Washington I'm sure you are annoyed by the many people who think you are actually living in Canada.
I have been annoyed by the two Vancouver's for as long as I can remember. Ya, I know Mr. Vancouver gallantly came over to the Pacific North West therefore everything is named after him (Vancouver squared, Vancouver island, etc.) but people should have got more creative when thinking up names for cities that are a little to close together for comfort.
Well, smaller Vancouver, Washington is thinking of changing its name in the next election.

CBC reports that supporters want to switch to the name, Fort Vancouver, arguing it's the only way to avoid confusion with the much larger city of Vancouver, B.C., 500 kilometres to the north.

History states that Fort Vancouver was named and founded by the Hudson's Bay Co. in 1825. It was changed to Vancouver in 1857.
The city of Vancouver, B.C., was incorporated under that name in 1886. So, technically Vancouver, Washington had it first but I blame the Hudson Bay Co. for being stupid and naming two cities the same thing. Therefore by size alone I think Vancouver, BC should stay and Vancouver, Wa should be Fort Vancouver. But then again i'm biased because I live in the Canadian one.

Personally, I think this is a good idea to change the name but it should have happened like 80 years ago. Well, we humans are not that bright so I guess better late than never.

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