Battle Ground is a city in Clark County, Washington, United States. The population was 20,743 at the 2020 census. As of 2023, its population is 22,959. By 1855, 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. When the community at Fort Vancouver discovered this escape, they assembled an armed contingent led by Captain William Strong to pursue the Klickitats. Captain Strong's party eventually found the Klickitats near the present-day location of downtown Battle Ground.
Details of the standoff 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, at least one shot was fired, resulting in the death of Chief Umtuch, reportedly by one of Captain Strong's soldiers.
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 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. Battle Ground is from Portland, Oregon, and from Seattle.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all land.