Vanport's history really stems from the following Indian tribes: Allegewi, Massawarna, Shawanese and the Delewares. They camped along the river banks and at the base of the hills.The hill, now known as "Bear Hill," was the "look-out point" where they had an advantage to watch all proceedings of the soldiers at Fort McIntosh.Relics and artifacts have been found to corroberate the presence of their burial grounds where, now, the new highway extends.According to available records, an Indian by the name of Amockwi, later known as "the Beaver," or "King Beaver," was the main speaker between the whites and the Indians. He attended many peace parleys trying to formulate a permanent promise between the two over the land dispute. He stated he was not so interested in the land division, as he was interested in both sides living in peace. He was buried where the Tuscarawas Trail crossed Two Mile Run.According to these facts he can be credited as our first local peacemaker and politician.Borough Township was formed in November, 1804, with a population of the territory approximately 376. The boundaries being the Ohio River on the South, Brighton Township on the North and West and Beaver Borough on the Northeast. This finding the Borough a central part of the county.In 1835, Thomas B. Boggs laid out the town of Vanport, located on the north bank of the Ohio River, about two miles below Beaver. J. J. Noss built the first brick house. The land was found hilly and rough and laden with lime which became the principle product of the Borough. The name Vanport originated from two sources. First, the democratic nominee for president at the time was Martin Van Buren. During a political demonstration, members of the party decided as a compliment to the leader, "Matty Van" they would name the town after him. The "port" was natural because much pottery was shipped from Vanport.
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