Delta Park, Oregan

Vanport, OR was a city built during World War II to house workers at the Kaiser Shipyard in Portland. It was the largest public housing project in the United States during that time, with a population of over 40,000 people at its peak. However, on May 30, 1948, the city was destroyed by a flood, leaving thousands homeless and causing widespread devastation. Many have wondered who was responsible for the destruction of Vanport.

Some have blamed the city itself for its own destruction. Vanport was built on a low-lying area in the Columbia River floodplain, and its construction was rushed to accommodate the influx of workers during the war. The city’s levees were also poorly maintained, and the city lacked adequate drainage systems. All of these factors made Vanport vulnerable to flooding, and when a heavy rainstorm hit the region in 1948, the levees broke and the city was inundated.

Others have pointed the finger at the federal government for its handling of the situation. The Army Corps of Engineers was responsible for building the levees that protected Vanport, but they were not well-designed or well-maintained. Some have also criticized the government for not providing adequate warning to the city’s residents about the impending danger of the flood. Many residents were caught unaware and were unable to evacuate in time.
Some have also pointed to racism as a factor in the destruction of Vanport.

The city was home to many Black and Japanese American workers who had migrated to the area to work in the shipyards. Many of these workers faced discrimination and segregation not only in their housing but also in their workplaces and schools. Some have suggested that the government’s neglect of the city and its residents was influenced by racist attitudes toward these groups.

Ultimately, the causes of the destruction of Vanport are complex and multifaceted. The city’s location in a floodplain, inadequate construction, and poor maintenance certainly played a role. The federal government’s handling of the situation and possible racism in their treatment of Vanport’s residents may have also contributed. Regardless, the loss of homes and lives in Vanport was a tragedy that affected many families and communities, and its legacy is still felt today.