Northern Manitoba

Last Update: 20/SEPTEMBER/2025

NOTE: This part of the province north of the 53rd Parallel was once part of the Northwest Territories until 1912.

Poplar River Post (2)
(1870 - 1941), Poplar River
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records begin 1880) located at the mouth of the Poplar River at Lake Winnipeg.

A North West Co. post was probably located here before 1810 (see Poplar River Post (1) below).

By around 1869 Poplar River was in operation again until some time before 1914. It reopened as an outpost of Berens River before 1933 and became a full post in 1935. In 1942 Poplar River closed again. In 1957 Poplar River reopened as an outpost of Berens River once again. In 1961 it achieved full post status and also operated as a Northern Store. It operated as such until 1987 when the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

Thunder Lake Post
(1806 - 1807), near Weaver Lake ?
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Poplar River.

Thunder Lake was established in October 1806 in order to compete with Canadian traders nearby. It was abandoned in the spring of 1807.

Poplar River Posts (1)
(1806 - 1807), near
A Hudson's Bay Co. post and a North West Co. post located several miles up the river near the Ontario border.

Poplar River was briefly in operation for the winter of 1806-1807, when William Thomas sent three men from Thunder Lake there to oppose the North West Company. It was located at the outlet of Poplar River on the east shore of Lake Winnipeg.

Windy Lake House
(1824 - unknown), near Charron Lake ?
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located near the head of the Cobham River near the Ontario border. Possibly located on the Assapan River, near Kagipo or Apisko Lakes.

Cobham River Posts
(unknown dates),
A Hudson's Bay Co. post and a North West Co. post (dates ?) located on the Cobham River near the Ontario border.

Lake of the Islands Posts
(1800 - 1818 ?), Island Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the eastern shore of Island Lake near Sagawitchewan Bay, near the Ontario border.

A North West Co. post was located nearby in 1803.

Island Lake Post
(1818 - 1940), Island Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located at the village of Island Lake. Possibly abandoned for several years before re-opening (?) in 1840. Originally located about one-half mile south of its last site until relocated in 1864.

Island Lake was established around 1818 on the southwest side of the lake by the same name in present-day Manitoba. From 1818 to 1825 it was the headquarters of the Island Lake District. In 1828 Island Lake post was closed and was re-established in 1833. In 1839 the post moved once again to a better fishing spot. In the spring of 1845 Island Lake was abandoned since much of the local trade was being conducted at Big Trout Lake (Ontario) instead. Island Lake was reopened in 1865.

From the 1890's to the 1930's Island Lake operated a number of outposts, including Sandy Lake (Ontario), Red Sucker Lake, Sagawitchewan, Maria Portage, and Smooth Rock. In 1931 gold was found near Island Lake. As a result, a mill and gold mine was in operation in the community between 1934-1935. In 1959 the post and saleshop business was transferred to the HBC's Northern Stores Department. Island Lake operated as a Northern Store until 1987, when the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

Merry's House
(1801 - 1824, 1827 - 1832, 1865 - unknown), Sharpe Lake
A Hudson's Bay Company post (HBC records cover 1810 - 1830), established in 1801 as a temporary post. It was located on the north end of Sharpe Lake at the outlet of the Red Sucker River. Sharpe Lake is located north of Red Sucker Lake, and southeast of God's Lake, near the Ontario border. Merry's House was named by John Ballenden after Charles Merry, who served on the board of the Governor and Committee from 1795 to 1805. In May 1824 Merry's House was abandoned. It was reopened three years later, only to be abandoned again in 1832. Merry's House reopened in 1865 and closed for good sometime in the following years.

God's Lake House
(1825 - 1940), God's River
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records begin 1825) located at the God's River outlet at the north end of the lake. Probably rebuilt/relocated in 1828.

God's Lake, first known as Manitou Lake, was established in 1824 to take over the operations of Island Lake. The God's Lake post was first located on a peninsula on the north side of the lake. Early freighting to and from God's Lake was done by canoe from Norway House. Later, after the Hudson Bay Railway was built, the post received its supplies from Ilford via tractor train. In 1833 God's Lake was abandoned and its business transferred back to Island Lake. God's Lake was re-established in 1864, only to be closed again in 1872. In 1888 the post re-opened. In 1922 the post moved 30 miles south to the narrows of the lake (at God's Lake Narrows village). In 1939 God's Lake post moved to Gisipigimack at the east end of the lake. The God's Narrows outpost was opened that year at the former post site at the narrows.

In 1935 God's Lake Gold Mines Limited began mining operations on Elk Island in the south-central section of the lake. As a result, the function of the God's Lake post changed from fur trade post to mining settlement supply store. In October 1948, in order to best meet the store demands, God's Lake store was moved onto Elk Island (at God's Lake village). In July 1958 God's Lake closed and its store operations were transferred to God's Lake Narrows village.

Gisipigimack Post
(1933 - 1939), God's Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. outpost (HBC records begin 1937) located on the God's River at the east end of God's Lake, near Hurley Island.

Gisipigimack was established sometime before 1933 as an outpost of God's Lake. In 1937 it became a full post. Two years later Gisipigimack was closed.

Shamattawa Post
(1870 - 1956), Shamattawa
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover 1887 - 1938) located on the God's River. Also known as Sturgeon River Post.

Shamattawa was established in 1870 and was located on the right bank of the Shamattawa River in northeastern Manitoba. It was alternately known as Sturgeon River until the twentieth century, when the "Shamattawa" name was exclusively used. In the early 1900's Shamattawa became an outpost of York Factory. In 1934 it was elevated to the status of post. In 1956 a new store was built. Three years later Shamattawa became a Northern Store and operated as such until 1987, when the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

Oxford House
(1798 - 1941), Oxford House
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Hayes River at the northeast end of Oxford Lake. Rebuilt or relocated in 1816.

Oxford House was established in 1798 by William Sinclair, under the instructions of Joseph Colen, chief at York Factory. The post was located on Oxford Inlet on the northeast end of Oxford Lake, known then as Holey Lake. Oxford House was established as part of a wider plan by the HBC to speed up transport along the Hayes River by using a system of boat and canoe relays, transferring at depots along the rivers. York boats travelling from the Saskatchewan River stopped at Oxford House to transfer their goods to canoe, which then travelled to Rock Depot and on to York Factory. Oxford House also operated outposts at Island Lake (1825 - 1833), Cross Lake, and Jack River (1801 - 1812).

In 1810 Oxford House became an inland factory and took charge of all posts in the Lake Winnipeg drainage basin. The area was known as the Winnipeg Factory District, with Oxford House also becoming alternatively known as Winnipeg Factory (1810 - 1811). The next year the district was split into West and East Winnipeg districts with Oxford House in charge of the west district (as West Winnipeg Factory (1) (1811 - 1812)). This area encompassed the posts located southwest of Lake Winnipeg including Cumberland House, Swan River, Pembina, and Brandon House. In 1812 the headquarters of the West Winnipeg District was transferred to Jack River. Norway House, constructed in 1814, superceded Oxford House in the management of western transportation. After this, Oxford House functioned mainly as a depot for provisioning parties going to and from the Red River Settlement. From 1828 to 1837 and again from 1874 to 1892, Oxford House operated as the headquarters of the Island Lake District. In 1828 Oxford House also became the headquarters for the construction and maintenance of a winter road connecting York Factory and the Red River Settlement. The road was in operation until 1833.

Oxford House continued operations as a fur trade post and provision depot, as well as saleshop, into the twentieth century. In 1959 the administration of the the post and saleshop was transferred to the newly-formed Northern Stores Department. Oxford House operated as a Northern Store until 1987, when the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

Jackson's Bay Post
(1860's), Oxford Lake
A small Hudson's Bay Co. outpost located on the southeast shore of Oxford Lake. A subpost of Oxford House. A mission was also here.

Knee Lake Post
(1815 - 1818), Knee Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Hayes River.

Knee Lake was established in the fall of 1815 by Peter Fidler at the lower end of Knee Lake in present-day Manitoba. It served as a provision depot for goods being shipped to and from York Factory along the Hayes River. In October of that year two temporary houses were built. In the summer of 1816, Knee Lake was abandoned after the storehouses were demolished and the goods transferred to the newly-built depot at Swampy Lake.

Swampy Lake House
(1817 - 1819, 1850's ?), Swampy Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Hayes River below Knee Lake. Possibly still operated into the 1850's (perhaps as Logan's Depot ?).

Swampy Lake was established in August 1816 by William Sinclair, Sr. and was located on the west shore of Swampy Lake at the Hayes River, below Knee Lake. That year the depot at Knee Lake was abandoned and its trading goods transferred to Swampy Lake. Swampy Lake was established as an inland provision depot for the trans-shipment of goods to and from York Factory on the Hayes River. Swampy Lake was abandoned by at least August 1821, at which time Nicholas Garry had passed the post on his travels and found it deserted. It is unclear whether it was in operation after this date.

Logan's Depot
(1819 - 1869 ?), near Swampy Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Hayes River below Knee Lake, probably at the north end of Swampy Lake. It had replaced the Swampy Lake House.

Gordon House
(1794 - 1821),
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the south or east bank of the Hayes River, below Berwick Falls, about 30 miles below Swampy Lake. Also known as Old Rock House. Located just below the Slanted Rock Rapids.

Nearby, on the north or west bank across from Gordon House, was Rock Depot (or Rock Fort) (1816 - 1860 ?).

Rock Depot, first known as Gordon House, was established in 1794 by Joseph Colen on the Hayes River, 120 miles above York Factory. Its purpose was to act as a terminus depot for goods carried up from York Factory to be picked up by canoes from the inland posts. It also served to provide goods to local Aboriginal hunters during the winter to prevent loss of time in travelling to York Factory during the hunting season. In 1813 Rock Depot was chosen to be one of the first major depots in a winter road system between York Factory and the Red River settlement. However, this road was never completed. In 1816 Rock Depot was relocated to the site of White Mud Creek, about half a mile westward from the old site. Around this time it became known as Rock Depot instead of Gordon House. It was closed in 1821 and reopened sometime after that. Rock Depot remained an important station until the 1850's. At this point, York Factory and the inland transportation route down the Hayes River began to decline in importance. Rock Depot was operating until at least 1856 but does not appear in the records after that.

Hill River House ?
(unknown dates),
An undetermined post located on the south bank of the Hayes River, opposite the mouth of the Fox River.

Jack River House
(1801 - 1814), near Norway House
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records begin 1796) located at the mouth of the Gunisao (ex-Jack) River, replaced by Norway House. Also known variously as (Joseph) Colen's Cot, Fort Brochet, or Jack Fort.

Jack River was established in 1796 on the Nelson River near Little Playgreen Lake in order to compete with a nearby Canadian post. It functioned as a provision depot for transport between York Factory and the Athabasca area. In 1798 Jack River closed since it proved to be too far up the river for effective canoe travel. That year Oxford House was built to take over Jack River's depot function.

Around 1801 Jack River reopened as an outpost of Oxford House in order to maintain trade with Aboriginal hunters from the Poplar River area and to intercept Canadian traders who travelled from Lake Winnipeg to Cross Lake. In 1812 Jack River became the headquarters of the West Winnipeg District (as West Winnipeg Factory (2) (1812 - 1814)), and in 1814 the district's successor, the Norway House District. It remained as such until 1817, when the post was abandoned and its business transferred to Norway House.

Norway House (Provincial Heritage Site)
(Canadian Register of Historic Places)
(1814 - 1825, 1826 - 1868/1939), Norway House
A Hudson's Bay Co. post and major supply depot, located on the north end of Fort Island at the mouth of the Gunisao River. The stockade was 150 feet square, with two gates, and enclosing several buildings. York boat building was a primary concern. Originally located at the south end of Big Mossy Point (Warren Landing) on Lake Winnipeg, after it burned in 1825 it was relocated up the Nelson River in 1826, adjacent to the site of the former Jack River House. The transfer of the HBC's Rupert's Land territory to Canada was arranged here in 1869. The Indian Treaty Number 5 was signed here in 1875. Extant structures include the Archway Warehouse (1840), Jail (1855), and Powder Magazine ruin (1837). Traces of the original post at Big Mossy Point may still remain. The Nelson River has since encroached upon the present site by several hundred feet. See also A Brief History of Norway House from Norway House Cree Nation

Norway House was established in 1817 after Jack River was abandoned. It was located at the narrows at the north end of Lake Winnipeg. In 1814 Norwegian servants had built a shelter at this site as they worked on the construction of a winter road from York Factory to the Red River Settlement. The Norway House depot built at the site was named in honour of these servants. In 1824 Norway House was destroyed by fire. A store house was rebuilt later that year. In 1826, due to the high waters at the narrows, Governor George Simpson gave orders to rebuild the post at a higher site on the east bank of Jack River at Little Playgreen Lake, 18 miles from its former site. Norway House was first envisaged as a staging post for the winter road construction, adopting the function once held at Jack River. After 1826 Norway House changed into an auxiliary depot for York Factory. It quickly became an important site for the Hudson's Bay Company, serving as a transport depot between York Factory and the Athabasca District and Mackenzie River to the West. It was a crucial provisioning depot for the Red River Settlement. Norway House was also frequently the site of Northern Department council meetings. It hosted both the first and last council meeting of the department in 1821 and 1869 respectively. From 1817 to 1902 Norway House also acted as headquarters for the Norway House District.

After the opening of the Hudson Bay Railway in the 1920's, the Norway House depot lost importance in the HBC transportation system. The railway diverted travel away from Norway House to other posts in the area. The insurgence of southern settlements also led to the decline in importance of Norway House. From 1901 to 1915 Norway House was the headquarters of the Keewatin District. In 1959 the administration of Norway House was transferred to the Northern Stores Department. It continued to operate as a Northern Store until 1987 when the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

Rossville Post
(1869/1884 - 1940), near Norway House
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located at the Methodist mission settlement.
See also Rossville Mission (1840) Manitoba Heritage Council historic marker

In 1869 the Hudson's Bay Company established an outpost in the village of Rossville, located near Norway House on the east shore of Little Playgreen Lake. The Rossville outpost was not in continuous operation until 1884. In 1934 Rossville became a full post. In 1959 its operations were transferred to the Northern Stores Department. It operated as a Northern Store until 1987, when the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

Cross Lake Posts
(1795 - 1940), Cross Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post. Originally known as Apsley House.

The North West Co. built a post here in 1800.

Cross Lake was established in 1795 by James Tate and was located on the south end of the lake by the same name. It was most likely abandoned in the spring of 1796. In 1849 it was re-established, but again only lasted for one outfit year. Cross Lake reopened in 1869 in the Norway House District.

In the 1870's Chief Tapatanim (or Donald William Sinclair Ross) surveyed the land in the Cross Lake area for the reserve in the area and mistakenly stated that HBC land was part of the reserve. In 1885, four years after Tapatanim died, the HBC and reserve exchanged land; some land that the HBC had surveyed was traded for the disputed HBC land included in the reserve survey. In 1886 and 1887 new buildings were built for Cross Lake post on the newly acquired land, located on the north side of the lake's narrows. During this time Cross Lake was also engaged in some commercial fishing and operated an outpost at Cross Portage.

In 1959 the administration of Cross Lake's business was transferred to the Northern Stores Department. It operated as a Northern Store until 1987 when the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

Sipiwesk Lake Post
(1792 - unknown), Sipiwesk Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Nelson River, at the western end of the lake on a rocky point. It was located about 30 miles south of Chatham House on Wintering Lake.

Cross Portage Post
(1885 - 1889), near Thicket Portage
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located at the portage between Wintering Lake and Landing Lake.

Cross Portage was in operation as an outpost of Cross Lake by at least 1885. It was located between Landing Lake and Sipiwesk Lake in present-day Manitoba. It was likely closed in 1889.

Wabowden Post
(1922 - 1959), Wabowden
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on Setting Lake (HBC records cover 1929 - 1932). Originally known as Setting Lake Post until 1928. Rebuilt after a fire in 1925. The town was created in 1913.

In October 1922 the HBC purchased a post at Setting Lake from Great West Stores. In March 1928 the post moved 1.5 miles south to Wabowden, a railway divisional point along the Hudson Bay Railway at Mile 137. In 1959 the administration of Wabowden was transferred to the Northern Stores Department. It operated as such until it was closed in 1981.

Wegg's House
(1795 - 1796),
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Grass River, near Pisew Falls.

Wegg's House was established in 1795 by William Sinclair. It was located on the lower end of the Grass River on Setting Lake. In July 1796 Sinclair was given instructions to relinquish Wegg's House in favour of building a post at Neyowagon.

Paint Lake Post
(Paint Lake Provincial Park)
(1790 - unknown), Paint Lake
A North West Co. post located on the Grass River. Also known as McKay House.

Chatham House
(1791 - 1794), Wintering Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on Wintering Lake. Located at the end of the long peninsula extending north into the lake.

Chatham House was established in 1791 by William Hemmings Cook. It was located at 55º23'40" N, 97º44'34" W on the south shore of Wintering Lake in present-day Manitoba. The post was visited by David Thompson in the winter of 1792-1793. Chatham House closed at the end of outfit year 1794.

Hulse House
(1796 - 1797), Birch Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Burntwood River at Birch Lake.

Hulse House was established in September 1796 by William Sinclair. It was probably named for either Richard Hulse or Edward Hulse, both committee members of the HBC Governor and Committee. Hulse House was located on "long lake," which is now known as Birch Lake, on the Burntwood River. Hulse House was most likely closed after Outfit 1796-1797.

Rat River Posts (1)
(1789 - unknown), near Nelson House
A North West Co. post located on the Rat River.

A Hudson's Bay Co. post was also located here (date ?).

Threepoint Lake Post (2)
(1833 - 1856), near Nelson House
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Burntwood River. Also known as Fort Seaborn or Nelson River House. Replaced by Nelson House (2).

Nelson River House, first known as Three Points Post (1) (see Carlton House below), was established at least by 1794 first on the Kississing River at Flatrock Lake, later operating at various points on Highrock, Nelson, Three Point, and Footprint Lakes in present-day Manitoba. It was in operation sporadically until 1833, when the business at Split Lake House was transferred to the site on Three Points Lake. At this time Nelson River House became known as such, although it was also referred to as Fort Seaborn.

Nelson House (2)
(1856 - 1938), Nelson House
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on Footprint Lake. Rebuilt/relocated to its present site in 1878.

From around 1868 to 1945 it operated an outpost at Indian Lake.

In 1920 the community in which the post was located became known as Nelson House. In 1959 Nelson River House was transferred to the Northern Stores Department. It operated as a Northern Store until 1987, when the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

Split Lake House
(c.1750 ?, 1790 - 1833, 1886 - 1941), Split Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Nelson River. Rebuilt in 1810. Closed for several years after 1833. Originally located on the northwestern or northcentral shore of the lake. Relocated to the present site at the northeastern end of the lake in 1886. After 1916 the post was supplied by railroad via York Landing.

The first HBC post was reportedly established here in the late 1740's or early 1750's.

Split Lake House was established in 1790 by James Spence on the southeast end of Split Lake in present-day Manitoba. Spence was sent from York Factory as part of a program to develop the Hayes and Nelson Rivers routes into the interior. In 1794 the post closed and was rebuilt in 1797 by William Hemmings Cook. During Outfit 1820-1821 Split Lake House operated as an outpost of Indian Lake. In 1823 a depot was built. From 1827 to 1833 Split Lake House was the only post in operation in the Nelson River District and thus acted as the district headquarters. In 1833 Split Lake House was closed and its business moved to Nelson River House, located on Three Points Lake.

Between 1856-1859 Split Lake House was temporarily open again, under the management of an interpreter. It was formally re-established in 1886 in order to accommodated Aboriginal hunters from Cross Lake and Norway House who were hunting in the area. Later Aboriginal groups from York Factory also moved into the Split Lake House region.

Split Lake House continued to operate into the twentieth century. In 1916 the supply route to Split Lake House was altered. Goods now arrived at the house by Hudson Bay Railway via The Pas up to Mile 279, and then coming to Split Lake by canoe, instead of by York Boat from Norway House. In 1933 Split Lake House operated an outpost at Sand Lake. In 1959 the administration of Split Lake House was transferred to the Northern Stores Department. It operated as such until 1987, when the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

Gillam Post
(1927 - 1952), Gillam
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover 1929 - 1931). An HBC store was later in operation here after 1968. See also History of Gillam from Town of Gillam

Gillam was established in December 1927 and was named after Captain Zachariah Gillam, master of the "Nonsuch". Gillam was located at Mile 327, a railway divisional point along the Hudson Bay Railway. In 1952 the post closed.

In 1969 the Hudson's Bay Company opened a Northern Store in Gillam, corresponding to the arrival of the nearby Kettle Rapid hydro project. Gillam continued to operate as a Northern Store until 1987 when the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

Fort Nelson
(1670, 1673, 1682 - 1683), Port Nelson
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located at the mouth of the Nelson River. The first post (Fort Nelson I) was a crude structure built at Hart's Creek in 1670, but was soon abandoned after only a few days. This first venture was led by Charles Bayley and Pierre Esprit Radisson.

The HBC returned here briefly to trade in 1673, but did not fully commit again to the Nelson River until October 1682 when a new post (Fort Nelson II) was built by John Bridgar, at "Woodchuck" Creek. (NOTE: A "Woodcock" Creek is located on the north bank just downstream from Port Nelson). It was actually erected after the French had already established Fort Bourbon (1) on the Hayes River just to the south (see below). The HBC ship Rupert, commanded by Zachariah Gillam, was soon caught by the winter ice and destroyed, with several of the crew being lost (including Gillam). The English survivors then depended on French assistance through the winter. However, the French captured and destroyed the HBC fort in June 1683, after the English had earlier attacked and seized Fort Bourbon.

Bachelor's Fort (1682 - 1683) was built first, by independent New England traders led by Benjamin Gillam (son of Zachariah) in August 1682, arriving on the ship Bachelor's Delight, shortly before the HBC venture, located on or near Bachelor's (or Gillam's) Island, about 25 miles up the Nelson River from its mouth, near the mouth of North Seal Creek, just upstream of Flamborough Head. It too was destroyed by the French in June 1683. It is unclear which group of Englishmen had attacked the French at Fort Bourbon, but the French retaliated against both groups and sent them both packing. Governor Bridgar and the New Englanders were held captive and brought back to Montréal when the French departed, on the commandeered New England ship; the others were sent to Fort Rupert (1) (Québec) on James Bay in a rebuilt French vessel (the Ste. Anne, the second French vessel, St. Pierre, having been cannibalized to repair the other).
See also York Factory Saved from Manitoba Historical Society

Another HBC expedition arrived later in the summer or fall of 1683, under John Abraham, and established another post on the Nelson River (Fort Nelson III). Abraham's post was probably located on the north shore of Sir Edward Dering's Island, or possibly at Walker's Point on the south side of the Nelson River. This post only lasted a short while.

Flamborough House
(1750 - 1754), near Port Nelson
A Hudson's Bay Co. provisioning outpost located on the south shore of the Nelson River near its mouth, opposite Flamborough Head, and south of Port Nelson. A subpost of York Factory. A square stockade around one building, armed with four guns (after 1751). After it closed, the site was still used as a hunting camp for the HBC until 1759. The abandoned post was accidently burned down in 1766.

Flamborough House was established in 1750 as an outpost for York Factory. Its purpose was to prevent Aboriginal traders from doing business with "interlopers" in the area. It also provided York Factory with country provisions. In 1759 Flamborough House was abandoned since the expected interlopers did not appear. The post was burned down sometime after that.

Port Nelson Post
(1917 - 1919), Port Nelson
A Royal Canadian Mounted Police patrol post for Hudson Bay. Established in 1913, the town was proposed to be the Hudson Bay Railway's northern terminus, but many problems forced its abandonment in favour of Churchill. Site now a ghost town with extant ruins and overgrown foundation walls. See also Port Nelson and the Hudson Bay Railway from the Manitoba Historical Society

Fort Bourbon (1)
(1682 - 1684, 1685 - 1686 ?), near York Factory
A French post located on Rainbow Island on the Hayes River, located along the south bank of the river about 15 miles upstream from the river's entrance. Arriving in two ships, the St. Pierre and Ste. Anne, and led by Médart Chouart, sieur des Groseilliers, and his brother-in-law, Pierre Esprit Radisson, construction of the post (Fort Bourbon I), aka Radisson's Fort, was already well underway before the HBC established Fort Nelson on the Nelson River (see above) during the fall of 1682. The French had arrived here only days after a New England group led by Benjamin Gillam had settled on the Nelson River. Fort Bourbon was seized by the English in the early spring of 1683, prompting the French to then attack and destroy the HBC fort and the nearby New England traders' fort as well. Leaving a small garrison of seven men to hold the fort, under the command of Jean Baptiste Chouart, Médart's son, the French then departed with the English captives to Montréal, on the commandeered New England ship. In the summer of 1684, Fort Bourbon was captured by a HBC party led by the same Pierre Radisson, and destroyed. The HBC then proceeded to build a new post on the Hayes River further downstream at the present-day York Factory site (see below). The French returned in 1685 and re-established/rebuilt Fort Bourbon (Fort Bourbon II), probably on a new site nearby. It is not clear when this second fort was abandoned.

The French later built Fort Phélipeaux on the south bank above (upstream of) Ten Shilling Creek, in or after 1697 (before 1700), in use until the summer of 1714. It was a small outpost of Fort Bourbon III (Fort York), and was also designated as a "place of retreat" for the French.

Montague House (date ?) was on the south bank of the Hayes River at or near Ten Shilling Creek, opposite the present York Factory III site.

Another post (French Creek Fort) (French ? or British ?) was built in 1684 on the southern bank of the Hayes River at French Creek, just above the north end of Hayes Island. Abandoned in early 1685.

La Martinère's Post (date ?) was on the south bank of the Hayes River at or near French Creek.

York Factory (National Historic Site)
(Canadian Register of Historic Places)
(1684 - 1714, 1715 - 1788, 1788 - 1957), York Factory
Fort York (or York Fort as it was commonly referred to) (1684 - 1714), was located on the Hayes River at Water Hole Creek, about one-half mile below the present site (HBC records begin 1688). First built in the summer of 1684 by George Geyer and John Abraham, it was described as a "strong fort" with six guns (York Factory I). It was burned down in 1690 to prevent the French from capturing it at that time. Rebuilt on the same site in 1691, it was much larger and stronger with four corner bastions and armed with 32 cannon and numerous swivel guns located around the fort's perimeter. Attacked and captured by the French in September-October 1694, and renamed Fort Bourbon (Fort Bourbon III). Taken back by the HBC in the spring of 1695 (or August 1696 ?). Attacked and captured again by the French in September 1697. Again known as Fort Bourbon, it was then held by the French until the 1714 Treaty of Utrecht (September 1714), but was not thereafter re-occupied by the HBC, who, due to the poor condition of the fort, decided to build a new replacement fort on a new site. No remains, site eroded away (gone by 1748). Just offshore from here, in the largest Arctic naval battle in North America, one French ship defeated three British (HBC) ships in September 1697 in a struggle over control of the Hudson Bay trade.

The second post (York Factory II) (1715 - 1788) was also located on Water Hole Creek, about one-quarter mile back from the first post, built in May-August 1715. Attacked and captured by the French in August 1782, then burned. The French had generously left the fort's powder magazine intact and stocked it with provisions for any English stragglers left behind until they could be later rescued by the British. The fort was rebuilt by the HBC in September-October 1783, but still suffered from high water problems on the low swampy ground, and was abandoned in 1788 for the third post. No remains, site eroded away (gone by 1905).

The current post, about eight km (five miles) up the Hayes River from its mouth, is York Factory III (HBC records end 1939). It was built on somewhat higher ground than its predecessors, and began as an octagonal stone and brick fort in 1788, which took five years to construct, but was razed by 1831 and replaced by all wooden structures due to permafrost damage to the masonry foundations. This was the main field headquarters of the Hudson's Bay Company from 1810 until it finally closed in 1957. The HBC Depot/Warehouse, built in 1832, is the oldest wooden structure still standing on permafrost. Across Sloop Creek are the ruins of a 1838 stone powder magazine and an 18th-century cemetery. The magazine was constructed of cut-stone taken from the ruins of Fort Prince of Wales in Churchill. Admission fee. Access by boat or floatplane only. Severe river erosion is also taking its toll here as well. See also Manitoba Historical Society

The North West Mounted Police made patrols to here as early as 1890, but did not establish a permanent post.

York Factory was established by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1684. It was named in honour of the governor of the HBC, James, Duke of York and Albany (later King James II). In 1682 Pierre Esprit Radisson had built a French fort in opposition to the HBC. Two years later Radisson built a new fort this time for the HBC. The original HBC post was located along the north-west bank of the Hayes River. In 1697 York Factory was captured by French forces under the leadership of Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville. It became known as Fort Bourbon. While France and England battled for Hudson Bay, the possession of York Factory changed six times. With the signing of the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, all posts on Hudson Bay were returned to the possession of the HBC. In 1714 James Knight, governor in Rupert's Land, and Deputy Governor Henry Kelsey took possession of York Factory once again. Knight attempted to rebuild the fort downstream from the original site, but flood waters destroyed most of the new log structures.

In 1782 York Factory again was briefly held by the French under La Perouse and was destroyed. It was rebuilt the following summer, but by 1785 suffered from structural damage due to heavy spring flooding. In 1787 York Factory was rebuilt at its original site. However, this site also flooded. The third incarnation of York Factory was built in 1788, one kilometre up the Hayes River, where it remained for the next century.

York Factory played a vital role in the HBC's North American business. It served as the main supply depot for prairie and Mackenzie River area posts. It was also the main shipment point to England. The annual August boat from England delivered trade goods to York Factory and returned to England with the furs gathered from the various districts and posts. Brigades of York boats brought furs from the inland districts to York Factory, and then distributed trade goods and supplies to the posts. York Factory was also one of the HBC's most extensively developed trading sites. The post included numerous warehouses, a school, church, barn, stable, and expansive living quarters. During the first half of the nineteenth century, York Factory boasted a staff of approximately 35-40 men. York Factory also served as a base for many explorers and had an artisan manufacturing program which supported many skilled tradesmen.

In 1810, with the reorganization of the company's North American administration, York Factory became the headquarters of the newly formed Northern Department. Meetings of Northern Department councils were held at various posts. Between 1822 and 1833, however, almost all councils were held at York Factory. At various times it also acted as the residence and headquarters for the governor in chief of Rupert's Land. In the mid-nineteenth century, changes in transportation systems led to the decline of York Factory. Railway systems and steamboats on the Great Lakes transformed the trans-shipment system in Canada from North-South to East-West. This meant that the port at York Factory became less relevent, as trains moving from Montréal to Winnipeg took the place of York brigades for inland shipment. As a result, York Factory lost most of its inland trade to Winnipeg. In 1860 Winnipeg (or Fort Garry) gained prominence over York Factory by becoming the official headquarters for North American administration. In 1873 the headquarters and supply depot for the Northern Department were removed from York Factory to Winnipeg. By the twentieth century, York Factory was demoted to trading post status. In 1957 the post was closed. In 1968 the Government of Canada designated York Factory as a National Historic Site.

Fort Bourbon (2)
(1741 - 1749), Grand Rapids
A French trade fort located on the north bank just below the "grand rapids" of the Saskatchewan River (Cedar Lake outlet), just west of the Lake Winnipeg shore.

Cedar Lake House (1)
(1790 - 1802), near Grand Rapids ?
A North West Co. post later located near the site of Fort Bourbon (2) (or possibly Fort Bourbon (3) at Cedar Lake ?) (see "Forts of The Pas" below)

Grand Rapids Post (1)
(1774 ? - 1856, 1864 - 1910), Grand Rapids
A Hudson's Bay Co. post on the north bank of the river just below the rapids. Possibly established as early as 1774, the post was originally on the south bank of the river, closed in 1856 and replaced by the Cedar Lake Post (2). A four-mile long tramway was constructed in 1877 on the north bank to bypass the rapids and connect the new post at Grand Rapids with the Cedar Lake Post (1), where the Saskatchewan River steamboats landed and could go no further. The original tramway became disused by the early 1890's, and was finally shut down in 1909. A short section was restored in 1984. The Anglican St. John's Mission was built in 1875 at the old HBC post on the south bank. The town was established in 1903. See also Grand Rapids Tramway from Manitoba Historical Society

The North West Mounted Police garrisoned a detachment here in 1889 - 1891 to prevent illegal liquor smuggling on the steamboats.

Grand Rapids was established in autumn 1864 on the west bank of the Saskatchewan River, about three kilometres from its entrance into Lake Winnipeg and about one kilometre from the foot of the rapids for which the post is named. The post was located at a crucial point in the transportation route from Lake Winnipeg into the Athabasca region via the Saskatchewan River. The rapids, at the site of where the Saskatchewan emptied into Lake Winnipeg, were a seventy foot drop over six kilometres. This journey was difficult for HBC tripmen, as they were met with a long portage around the rapids. For some time, the Saskatchewan River transport route was abandoned in favour of using Red River cart trains.

In the 1870's the HBC began to use steamboats on the Saskatchewan River. This prompted the construction of a tramway at Grand Rapids in order to haul goods around the rapids from the boat brigades to the steamers. The tramway was completed in 1877, becoming the first railway in western Canada. With the re-opening of the Saskatchewan River route, Grand Rapids post became the Cumberland District depot for supplies and provisions. It also acted as the Northern Department depot for goods destined for Carlton House to be distributed to the Athabasca, Saskatchewan, English River, Edmonton, Peace River, and Mackenzie River Districts. In 1891 Canadian Pacific Rail lines reached Prince Albert and Edmonton, causing the end of steamer use on the Saskatchewan. As a result, the use of the Grand Rapids tramway declined and the post diminished in importance. In 1907 Canadian Northern Railway reached Winnipegosis and The Pas and became the favoured transportation route for the HBC. As a result of this shift, Grand Rapids was closed in 1909.

Cedar Lake Post (2)
(1857 - 1886), near Grand Rapids
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the north bank about six miles above the "grand rapids" of the Saskatchewan River, at the narrows into Cedar Lake proper (near Cross Bay). The HBC steamboat landing (after 1872) for the Saskatchewan River traffic was here. The site was flooded by the impoundment of the Grand Rapids/Cedar Lake Dam in 1964.

Cedar Lake (2) was established in 1857 as a wintering post. It was located on the east side of the peninsula between Cross and Cedar Lakes in present-day Manitoba. Between 1862 and 1886 Cedar Lake operated sporadically.

Mossy Portage Post
(1880's), near Easterville
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the northern shore of Lake Winnipegosis at the "Mossy Portage" to Cedar Lake. Shown on an 1888 NWMP map. A canal was proposed in the 1870's to connect Lake Winnipegosis with Cedar Lake, but it was never built.

Cedar Lake Post (3)
(1881/1886 - 1940), Cedar Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located at the Saskatchewan River on the then northwestern shore of Cedar Lake, below the Moose Lake River, or the Summerberry River, as shown on an 1888 NWMP map. Possibly located on what was then known as Fort Island. The site has been inundated by the enlargement of Cedar Lake after the construction of the Grand Rapids Dam in 1964, and would now be approximately in the centre of the present-day lake impoundment.

In 1886 Cedar Lake (3) reopened as an outpost for Moose Lake. In 1893 Cedar Lake operated as a full post with Moose Lake serving as its outpost. In 1940 Cedar Lake was abandoned.

Moose Lake Post
(1829/1872 - 1918), Moose Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the southwestern side of South Moose Lake. Originally established by 1830.

A North West Co. post (Moose Lake House) was earlier located on the north shore of Moose Lake (South or North Moose Lake ?) in 1819. Also known as Lac d'Orignal House. Acquired by the HBC in 1821 and operated until closed in 1825.

Moose Lake was acquired by the HBC during the company's amalgamation with the North West Company in 1821. It was located south of Cedar Lake on Moose Lake in present-day Manitoba. (This site is now submerged by the dam at Grand Rapids.) In 1825 Moose Lake was abandoned. It was re-established four years later to deal with the increase of muskrat in the area. It also operated as a horse-breeding centre. Between 1886 and 1893 Moose Lake administered Cedar Lake (3) as an outpost. In 1893 Moose Lake appears to have become an outpost of Cedar Lake (3). It was in operation until at least 1912.

Forts of The Pas
(1742/43 - 1744, 1750 - 1759, 1769, 1856 - 1935), near The Pas
A French trade fort, originally known as Fort Pasquia (Paskoya) (1), was first located on what was then known as Fort Island in the Saskatchewan River, just below (downstream of) what was then known as Mud (or Muddy) Lake, at its inflow into Cedar Lake (as it then existed). Built in late 1742 (or early 1743). Said to have been located 30 French leagues above Fort Bourbon (2) at the Grand Rapids (in reality only about 60 miles). Abandoned in 1744. Also spelled Pascoyac or Paskoyac. The site has been inundated by the enlargement of Cedar Lake after the construction of the Grand Rapids Dam in 1964, and would now be approximately in the centre of the present-day lake impoundment. See also Manitoba Historical Society

The French next relocated Fort Bourbon (3) in 1750 to the site of Fort Pasquia (1), or slightly upriver from it. It was pillaged and burned by Indians in 1758 and not rebuilt.

Meanwhile a second Fort Pasquia (Paskoya) (2) was built even further upriver in 1754 by the French, near the present town of The Pas. Also known as Fort Le Pas. It was abandoned in 1759, but probably still remained standing for a few more years and possibly used by independent free traders.

An independent British trade post was later established at or near the site of Fort Pasquia (2) in 1769 (Fort Pasquia (3)).

The Hudson's Bay Co. operated The Pas Post from 1856 - 1935 (HBC records begin 1879). Also known as Fort Defiance (according to the HBC Archives). The Anglican Mission at Le Pas was founded in 1840. The present town was not formally created and settled until 1906. The Sam Waller Museum (admission fee) at 306 Fischer Ave. has exhibits on the fur trade history of the area.

The Pas was established in 1856 on the Pasquia River where it joins with the Saskatchewan River near the present townsite. Henry Kelsey passed through the area as early as 1691 and found a Cree settlement. During the eighteenth century, it was the site of a French fur trading fort built by the sons of LaVerendrye. For the HBC, The Pas was an important rendezvous spot for Red River tripmen heading into the Athabasca region.

In the twentieth century, The Pas operated as a fur purchasing agency under the administration of the Fur Trade Department and later, the Raw Fur Department. In 1972 the HBC opened a Northern Store in The Pas and was in operation until 1987, when the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

Cranberry Portage Post
(1804 - unknown), Cranberry Portage
A North West Co. post.

Reed Lake Posts
(Grass River Provincial Park)
(1794 - 1795, 1850's ?), Reed Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (Reed Lake House). Possibly re-established and operated for a longer period.

A North West Co. post was later built nearby to the east in 1805 (to ?).

Reed Lake was established in 1794 by Malcolm Ross. It was located at latitude 54° 36' 19" N on a lake six miles from the inflow of the Grass River at the eastern extremity of the peninsula running northeastward into the lake. It was likely abandoned in June 1795.

Cold Lake Post
(1822/1869 - 1872 ?), Kississing Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. outpost of Nelson House (2). Located at the north end of the lake, at the Kississing River outflow.

Cold Lake was established in 1822 on the north arm of Kississing Lake in present-day Manitoba. It was created to take over the business of the recently-abandoned Green Lake Post (2) in Saskatchewan. By 1870 Cold Lake was closed.

Pelican Lake Post
(1793 - unknown),
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Burntwood River, south of Burntwood Lake.

Wepiskow Lake Post
(1793 - 1797 ?), Burntwood Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post. Probably operated longer, as it is still shown on maps of the 1830's and 1850's, at the southwestern end of the lake.

The North West Co.'s Burntwood Lake Post was also located here (1790's).

Wepiskow Lake was established in 1793 when George Charles, writer at Churchill, travelled inland. It was located on the Churchill River near Sisipuk Lake. Wepiskow Lake was closed sometime after 1797.

Loon River Post
(1798 - 1799),
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Churchill River at the mouth of the Loon River, at the Saskatchewan border.

Loon River was established in 1798 on an island at the head of Loon River in present-day Manitoba. It was established by William Linklater for the purpose of trading with Aboriginal hunters who intended to winter in the area. William Auld gave instructions to William Linklater to winter at Loon River to trade with Southern Indians who intended to winter there. He was also to supply meat to George Charles, inland master at Churchill, since the area around Loon River had plenty of moose and deer. Loon River was most likely abandoned in April 1799 when Linklater returned to Churchill.

Duck Portage Post ?
(1795 - 1796),
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Churchill River, near Sisipuk Lake.

Duck Portage was established in September 1795 by David Thompson in response to requests from Chipewyan hunters for a post. It was located on the Churchill River at the outlet of Sisipuk Lake. The North West Company may have inhabited the site prior to this. Duck Portage appears to have been abandoned at the end of Outfit 1795-1796.

Wapiscow House
(1793 - unknown), near Pukatawagan
A North West Co. post located at Pukatawagan Lake.

Pukatawagan Lake Post
(1793 - unknown), near Pukatawagan
An independent British trade post located at Pukatawagan Lake.

Pukatawagan Post
(1919 - 1943), Pukatawagan
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover 1929 - 1941).

Pukatawagan was established in 1919, located on the Churchill River at Pukatawagan (aka Setting) Lake on the Indian Reserve No. 198. During the 1930's it operated an outpost at Granville Lake. Pukatawagan closed in August 1943 due to difficulties in finding enough staff. Pukatawagan reopened in the summer of 1949. In 1959 the operation of Pukatawagan was transferred to the Northern Stores Department. It operated as a Northern Store unitl 1987 when the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

Carlton House
(1795 - 1797), Flatrock Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Kississing River near its confluence with the Churchill River. Also known as Three Points Post (1).

Carlton House was established by William Linklater in 1795. It was abandoned in 1797.

Nelson House (1)
(1800 - 1827), near Highrock
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records begin 1802) located on the Churchill River at Highrock or Nelson Lake. Replaced by Threepoint Lake Post (aka Nelson River House).

Nelson House was established in 1800 on the Churchill River at Nelson House. A year earlier, Joseph Spence had sent men from Indian Lake to establish a post and construction had begun in 1800. In 1809 the original Nelson House site was abandoned and moved to an island three miles west of the old house. In 1814 the Nelson River District (first known as the New Churchill District) was established with Nelson House as its headquarters. It acted as such until 1819, when Indian Lake became headquarters. Nelson House acted as headquarters once again beginning in 1824. In 1827 Nelson House was closed due to poor fur returns.

Muscawegan Post
(1804 - unknown), Granville Lake
A North West Co. post located on the Churchill River at Granville Lake, below Granville Falls.

The Hudson's Bay Co.'s Granville House (1) was located nearby in 1794 - 1796, established by George Charles.

An outpost of Pukatawagan Lake was later located here in the 1930's (Granville Lake Post (2)).

Granville House was established in 1794 by George Charles. It was located on Granville Lake in present-day Manitoba. Granville House was most likely abandoned in 1796.

Indian Lake Posts
(1803 - unknown), South Indian Lake
A North West Co. post located on the Churchill River at Southern Indian Lake.

A Hudson's Bay Co. post was located here in 1805 - 1824. Also known as South Indian Lake Post, a subpost of Nelson House (1).

The Hudson's Bay Company established a post at Indian Lake in 1797, which was in operation until 1800. Indian Lake was again in operation briefly from 1805-1806 and again from 1808-1811. In 1818 it opened as an outpost of Nelson House (1). A year later it became a full post and served as the headquarters of the Nelson River District (known as "New Churchill District" from 1819-1823). In 1824 Indian Lake closed.

In 1868 Indian Lake reopened as an outpost of Nelson River House. It acted as such until 1945, when it once again became a full post. New stores were built in 1946 and 1969. In 1959 the administration of Indian Lake was transferred to the Northern Stores Department. Indian Lake operated as a Northern Store until it was closed in February 1976.

Chipewyan Lake Post
(1800 - 1801),
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Churchill River.

Chipewyan Lake was established in October 1800 as a fishing spot. It was located on an island in the lake of the same name in what is now Manitoba. Chipewyan Lake was likely abandoned the following June.

Portland House
(1796 - 1797),
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Little Churchill River. Also known as Pike Lake Post.

Portland House was established in 1796 on Pike Lake by George Charles. It was abandoned in August of the following year due to poor trade.

Fort Prince of Wales (National Historic Site)
(1731 - 1782), near Churchill
A Hudson's Bay Co. post. This is a large partially restored 42-gun cut-stone masonry fort located on Eskimo Point just across the Churchill River from the present town. It took 40 years to complete and surrendered to the French without firing a shot in August 1782. The French destroyed the fort but left after only three days. The fort was designed for a 400-man garrison, but only had 39 defenders in 1782.

In 1731 construction of a new stone fort began at Eskimo Point, located across the river from James Knight's old wooden fort. This new fort was known as Fort Prince of Wales II and was designed to be a sturdy fortification against French insurgents. The construction of the fort lasted until at least 1771, with a team of English and Scottish stonemasons imported for the project. In 1746 the Cape Merry battery was constructed across the river to serve as extra protection. In 1782 Fort Prince of Wales was captured and destroyed by French forces led by Admiral de la Perouse. During the 1830's some of the cut-stone from the fort's ruins were taken by the HBC and used in other regional projects, including the 1838 powder magazine at York Factory, among other places.

Cape Merry Battery (Historic Site)
(1744 - 1782), Churchill
A stone battery to compliment Fort Prince of Wales. Relocated to its present site in 1747. Reconstructed in 1960. Ruins of the stone powder magazine still remain at the first site. Only one cannon, of six, was ever actually emplaced. Admission fee (part of Fort Prince of Wales NHS). The Parks Canada Visitor Centre in Bayport Plaza has info and displays on the area's fur trade history and HBC posts.

Fort Churchill (1)
(1689, 1717 - 1740's ?, 1783 - 1941), near Churchill
The first Hudson's Bay Co. post (Fort Churchill I) was built about eight km upriver on the west bank, but burned down (by the English) soon after it was built to prevent its capture by the French (October 1689). Fort Churchill II was built in 1717 just downriver, later replaced by Fort Prince of Wales (final date of use uncertain as the new fort was under construction for so long). The third named post (Fort Churchill III) was built near the original site in 1783, in use until 1941.

Between 1686 and 1689, the HBC attempted unsuccessfully to establish its first fort at Churchill. It was at this time that the site and river both received the name "Churchill" in honour of John, Lord Churchill (later the Duke of Marlborough), who had recently been elected the HBC's governor. In 1717 the first successful post was built by James Knight. It was located on the Churchill River on Hudson Bay, at the site where Danish explorer Jens Munk had wintered in 1619-1620. This post was called Fort Prince of Wales I.

In 1783 Samuel Hearne re-established the HBC at the site, building a post again near the original 1717 site named Churchill Factory.

From an early date, Churchill acted as a starting point for exploring and scientific expeditions. The first scientists to arrive at Churchill were astronomers William Wales and Joseph Dymond of the Royal Society who, in 1768, built a makeshift observatory at Churchill to watch the transit of Venus across the sun. Many early arctic explorations were launched at Churchill, including those led by Samuel Hearne, James Knight, Christopher Middleton, and Dr. John Rae. In the eighteenth century, Churchill was an important factory, operating a large inland district. By 1826 poor fur returns led to the abandonment of the Churchill District. Churchill fort was transferred to the administration of the York Factory District. Churchill continued to operate as a fur trade post and store in the twentieth century. In 1927 the Churchill townsite was chosen instead of Nelson River House as the terminus of the Hudson Bay Railway. Two years later, the railway was completed and the HBC opened a new store in the townsite. In 1959 the Churchill store became a Northern Store. It continued to operate as such until 1987, when the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

Churchill Post (2)
(1906 - 1917 ?), Churchill
A Royal North West Mounted Police patrol post for Hudson Bay.

Fort Churchill (3)
(Churchill Rocket Research Range National Historic Site)
(1942 - 1980), Fort Churchill PHOTOS
In 1942 the United States Army Air Force, with Canadian approval, built an airbase, with the infrastructure and quarters to support it, which became known as "Fort Churchill", located about five miles east of the town. It was later to become the support centre for the adjacent Churchill Rocket Research Range, which was established in 1957 about 16 km south of the airbase. It became a logistics and service centre for much of the central Arctic and, at one time, it housed a boarding school where teenage Inuit students were brought to receive higher education. In an attempt to modernize the Churchill townsite, new public housing and infrastructure was created and the population of Fort Churchill was relocated. With the end of government-sponsored rocket launches in 1985, the buildings at the site were demolished. The remnants of the former post are still clearly visible, next to the Churchill Airport. See also Canadian Space Agency - Fort Churchill || History of Churchill from Town of Churchill

Caribou Post
(1930 - 1941), Caribou Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Caribou River at Caribou Lake.

The post was relocated 50 miles west to Little Duck Lake on the Wolverine River in 1941, closed in 1956. Ruins remain of five buildings at Little Duck Lake. The U.S. Army established a weather station at Little Duck Lake in 1943-46.

Caribou was established in May 1930 on Caribou Lake, 130 miles northwest of Churchill. From 1933-1934 Caribou operated an outpost at Little Duck Lake (also known as Duck Lake). In 1941 Caribou was moved to a new site on the Wolverine River near Little Duck Lake. In August 1956 Caribou closed following the forced federal government relocation of the Sayisi Dene from Little Duck Lake to Churchill earlier that month.

Nonala Post
(1927 - 1939), Nonala
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Hudson Bay just south of the Nunavut border (HBC records begin 1937).

Nonala was established around 1927 as an outpost for Eskimo Point (Nunavut). It was located in present-day Manitoba on an island formed by the Egg River on the north, Ford Creek on the south, No-Na-Lak Lake on the west, and Hudson Bay on the east. In October 1929 Nonala became a full post. It closed in 1939.

Fort Hall
(unknown dates), Fort Hall
No data. A community located on Fort Hall Lake in the far northwest corner of the province.

Lac du Brochet Post
(1872 - 1940), Brochet
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the north shore of Reindeer Lake at Brochet Bay, along the Saskatchewan border. Sold to, or otherwise operated by the Révillon Frères Fur Company from 1924 - 1936.

Lac du Brochet was established in 1859 at the mouth of the Cochrane River on the northeast shore of Reindeer Lake. The HBC had sporadically wintered on nearby sites on the lake since the late-nineteenth century. In 1932 Lac du Brochet was closed due to stiff competition from both independent traders and Révillon Frères. In 1936 it reopened. In 1950 the name of the post and surrounding community were changed to Brochet. In 1959 Brochet became a Northern Store. It operated as such until 1987, when the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

NOTE: Many of the Hudson's Bay Company post descriptions are courtesy of the HBC Archives.

NEED MORE INFO:
Towns: Fort Hall.

Southern Manitoba - page 1

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