Soldiers whose route to Fort Vancouver included an early Northwest Indian war are the roots of a hands-on history activity later this month.
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is offering another training program on the saber, an Army weapon of the 1850s.
Participants will learn saber techniques used by Army dragoons — infantrymen who traveled on horseback, said Elaine Dorset, a Park Service archaeologist.
Fort Vancouver is partnering with Portland-based Academia Duellatoria on the seven Sunday sessions, which start on Jan. 21.
Fort Vancouver introduced basic saber training in September. The 2018 sessions will include additional training.
Since that initial course, Dorset has learned more about the soldiers reflected in the program.
“We did determine the first troop of dragoons to arrive at Fort Vancouver. It was E Company of the 1st Regiment of Dragoons. They arrived in December 1855, from Fort Lane in Southern Oregon.
“The date they arrived was during the Rogue River Indian Wars. They would have participated in the fighting before coming here,” Dorset said. “They stayed at Fort Vancouver about a year, then left and built Fort Walla Walla.”
Two courses will be offered at Pearson Air Museum, 1115 E. Fifth St.
Basic 1 is for newcomers to saber training; it begins with footwork and progresses through solo and partner drills, including offensive cuts and thrusts and defensive guards and parries.
Basic 2 includes additional solo and partner drills and will focus on perfecting technique.
Training sabers with dull edges and blunt tips and eye protection are provided for both classes. The course is for those 12 and older.
Participants who complete both courses will be able to volunteer at living-history events and programs at Fort Vancouver.
In addition to the physical aspects of the course, “We tie the instruction in with historical information. If people want to re-enact, they will have background to explain to visitors who they represent” and why those soldiers were at Fort Vancouver, the archaeologist said.
Basic 1 courses are on Sundays, 3 to 4:30 p.m., Jan. 21 through March 4.
Basic 2 courses are on Sundays, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Jan. 21 through March 4.
Cost is $100 a person. The fee is payable to Academia Duellatoria by check or PayPal. Fees must be paid before the training begins. Payments will not be accepted at the training sessions.
For information or to enroll, contact Jeff Richardson of Academia Duellatoria at jeffery@mind.net or call 503-888-9310.
