When the United States entered World War II, it was the first time since the War of 1812 that the United States government and civilians feared a full-scale enemy invasion.

Across the country, as military bases beefed up their security and war plans, so did civilian governments.  In Portland, Oregon, the city developed and implemented a comprehensive plan to combat enemy attacks, as well as implementing the changes necessary at home to support the war effort abroad.  These plans included the City of Vancouver.