Battle Ground is a high growth community that is the social and commerce hub in central and north Clark County, Washington. The City was incorporated on June 11, 1951 and operates under a Council-Manager form of government.

Battle Ground is a full-service City serving a population of approximately 16,710. The City provides municipal services such as police, fire, planning, building, streets, parks, and utilities (Water, Sewer, Storm Drainage). The City operates on a budget of approximately $50 million and has approximately 84 full-time employees.

The City Manager is responsible for the operations of the City and is appointed by the City Council. The Mayor and City Council are responsible for establishing public policy. They have the fiscal responsibility for the City including: budget authority, power to set fees and charges, levying of taxes, and issuance of debt consistent with provisions of state laws. The citizens of Battle Ground elect the seven Councilmembers and, biennially, the Council selects one of their members to serve as Mayor.

The origin of the City's name comes from a battle which never took place. In 1855, some Klickatat Indians escaped from Fort Vancouver. Captain Strong headed up the army in charge of bringing the Indians back to the fort. Upon meeting up with the Indians, the Indian chief, Chief Umtuch, promised Captain Strong that the Indians would return to the fort. There are different versions of what happened next, but Chief Umtuch was killed. Captain Strong allowed the Indians to bury the chief. He returned to the fort with the Indians' promise to return. The Indians did return, and for not forcibly bringing them back, Captain Strong was presented a petticoat for bravery and courage. This area later became known as "Strong's Battle Ground".