"I really feel very strongly that (Delta Park) should be called Vanport Park.  The houses aren't there, but the place is still there.  And it is Vanport."  - Marge Moss; Vanport Flood Survivor

In 1948, the city of Vanport was destroyed by a devastating flood.  Vanport, once the second largest city in Oregon, was located between Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR (Van-Port).  It was constructed during World War II as a base to build ships for the war effort.  

At the time, Portland, OR was a very segregated city.  It was estimated that more than 1,000 African Americans lived in Portland around the time of Vanport's construction.  Vanport, however, welcomed people of all races.  The African American population of Vanport was at least five times that of Portland. 

The city of Vanport was hastily constructed as temporary housing.  Many houses were built with cheap materials, and without proper foundations.  Despite this, the city remained occupied after the war.  

In 1948, a catastrophic flood destroyed the entire city of Vanport.  Residents, many of whom were not warned about the possibility of flooding, were forced to abandon and lose their houses and possessions.  These residents were forced to build new lives in new communities.  Because of the redlining that was prevalent at the time, African Americans who moved to Portland were forced into the Albina neighborhood.  Others moved to Vancouver.  

This flood has never been properly acknowledged and commemorated.  Former residents of Vanport, especially those who survived the flood, deserve lasting recognition.

Today, much of what used to be Vanport is Delta Park.  We believe that renaming Delta Park "Vanport Park" would be a fitting tribute to both those who lived in Vanport and survived the flood.  Also, many people in Portland are not familiar with the history of Vanport, and this name recognition could be an important first step in building that knowledge.  

This petition is being created by Madison High School students with support from the Vanport Multimedia Project.