Vanport, Oregon: Environmental Justice, Displacement, and the Reconstruction of a “Lost City”
This project traces the history of Vanport, a wartime housing project built near Portland, Oregon, in 1942–43 to accommodate 40,000 defense-industry workers. Vanport quickly became Oregon’s second-largest city and the largest Black community in the region. On 30 May 1948, a levee failure led to a catastrophic flood that destroyed the city. Vanport was never rebuilt. Though its physical existence was brief, Vanport’s legacy endures as a symbol of resilience against racism, adversity, and environmental injustice. Today, it is recognized for its role in promoting diversity and highlighting systemic inequalities.
The project is led by Prof. Dr. Uwe Lübken and is funded by a German Research Foundation (DFG) research grant.