Eastern Québec

Last Update: 15/OCTOBER/2025

Percé Battery
(1780 - 1782), Percé
A two-gun shore battery used against American privateers. It was captured and destroyed during a second raid.

Fort Ramsay
(1757, 1765 - unknown), Gaspé
Pointe-McConnell was originally fortified in 1757 by the French. It was next fortified by the British in 1765. It received its current name probably in 1826. It was in ruins by 1834. Near the site is now a modern campground and hotel complex which has taken the name.

¤¤ COAST ARTILLERY DEFENCES, GASPÉ BAY

¤¤ Fort Haldimand
(1939 - 1944), Haldimand, Sandy Beach
Headquarters of the Harbor Defence. Two 75mm guns were located here from 1939 - 1943. The site is now an Anglican church campground.

Sandy Beach was also the headquarters of the Royal Canadian Navy Detachment, established in 1942 (HMCS Fort Ramsay). This base included a fuel depot, jetties, ammunition stores, maintenance facilities, a launching cradle, a communications centre and a hangar and apron for seaplanes.

¤¤ Fort Peninsula
(Forillon National Park)
(1939 - 1944), Penouille
The examination battery for the Gaspé Defences, located directly across the bay from Fort Haldimand. Two casemated 4.7-inch quick-firing guns are still located here. An observation post was located nearby at the Cap-Gaspé Lighthouse. Admission fee to park.

¤¤ Fort Prével
(Auberge Fort-Prével)
(1941 - 1944), Fort-Prével
A World War II coastal defence fort on the Gaspé penninsula below Douglastown. This fort was armed with two American-made M1888 10-inch guns, one on a M1893 disappearing carriage, and the other on a M1894M1 barbette carriage. Some ruins of the batteries remain. The present gun replica at the battery is not original. The barracks have been renovated into a resort inn, and the grounds are now a golf course. The magazines still exist. The Battery Commander's Post has been re-utilized as a golf tee. An observation post and command post were located nearby at Bois Brule Head, and another observation post was located at Pointe-Saint-Pierre.

¤¤ ALSO: Near Red Head was the Navy Port War Signal Station.

Special thanks to Robert D. Zink of the Coast Defense Study Group for providing info on the Coast Artillery Defences of Gaspé Bay.

St. George Radar Station
(1942 - 1944), Saint-Georges-de-Malbaie
An RCAF Chain Home Low early warning air defence radar was located here.

Fox River Radar Station
(1943 - 1945), Rivière-au-Renard
The RCAF operated an experimental microwave early warning surface radar for anti-submarine defence. German U-boat tactics in 1944 had rendered the system useless.

Fort Listuguj
(1700 ?, 1745 ?, 1760), Listuguj, Pointe-à-la-Croix
A French trading post was located at Pointe-des-Sauvages on the Restigouche River. A mission was later built here in 1745. A small fort was built by the French in July 1760 soon after the Battle of the Restigouche, and held until October 1760. The Mikmaq Indian Reserve was established at Listuguj in 1853. The community, once known as Ristigouche, was renamed in 1994. A recreated palisaded fort was built in 1996 to represent the 1760 post, although it is not historically accurate.

A French naval gun battery was located nearby at Battery Point in 1760, used in the July 1760 Battle of the Restigouche River (Parks Canada - National Historic Site). Two of the guns from this battery are now on display at Riverfront Park in Campbellton, NB. (see also Gilbert Battery, NEW BRUNSWICK)

Fort Bic
(1670 - unknown), Le Bic
A French trade post at the mouth of Rivière du Bic.

Fort Rivière du Loup
(1670 - unknown), Rivière-du-Loup
A French trade post.

Fort Ingall
(1839 - 1842), Cabano FORT WIKI
A British stockaded wooden blockhouse built during the Aroostook War to secure the border and to protect the line of communication between New Brunswick and Canada. Abandoned after the war. It was reconstructed beginning in 1973. Admission fee.

Dégelis Fort
(1839 - 1842), Dégelis
A British blockhouse built during the Aroostook War. No remains.

Blanc Sablon Post
(1929 - 1959), Blanc-Sablon
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover 1932 - 1941).

In 1929 the HBC purchased a fishing station at Blanc Sablon, previously operated by Job Brothers and Company Ltd. of St. John's, Newfoundland. Blanc Sablon was located in Québec at the mouth of the Straits of Belle Isle near the Newfoundland and Labrador border. The site had a long history of fishing stations in operation, dating back to before Jacques Cartier's voyages of 1534-1535. Under the HBC, Blanc Sablon continued as a fishing and cod curing station, as well as a warehouse and shipping station for cured cod. Blanc Sablon was under the administration of Fur Trade Department districts, despite the secondary nature of the fur trade at this post.

After World War II and the economic difficulties that ensued, the HBC decided to turn the fishery business at Blanc Sablon over to other companies and concentrate on retail business. Blanc Sablon functioned as a store which also outfitted fishermen with salt and other supplies. In 1959, with the creation of the Northern Stores Department, Blanc Sablon operated as a Northern Store. In 1965 a new store was built further inland and closer to the communities of Bradore, Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon, and others. In 1987 the Northern Stores, including Blanc Sablon, were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

Anse aux Dunes Post
(unknown dates), Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon
A French fishing station. Probably located between present-day Blanc-Sablon and Brador.

Fort Pontchartrain (1)
(1704 - 1760 ?), Brador
A French fortified trade post built by Augustin Legardeur, sieur de Courtemanche. This was his main post. Inuit attacked and ransacked the fort in 1714. Legardeur died in 1717, his son-in-law François Martel de Brouague taking over until the time of the British conquest. The community was originally named Baie-Phélipeaux.

Rivière des François Post
(1715 - 1760 ?), Rivière-Saint-Paul
A French trading post and salmon fishing station at the mouth of Rivière Saint-Paul.

Le Vieux Fort
(1702 - 1704 ?), Vieux-Fort
A French trade post built by Augustin Legardeur, sieur de Courtemanche, a former French military officer. Also known as Fort Esquimaux River. Courtemanche traded with local Montagnais (Innu) for fur while running a small seal fishery. The fort was said to have been destroyed by invading Inuit who clashed regularly with the colonizing Europeans along the coast over traditional hunting and fishing grounds. It may have been rebuilt and continued (?), but it had already been largely replaced by Fort Pontchartrain (1).

A Basque, Breton, Norman, and Portuguese fishing and whaling station was located here in "Old Fort Bay" after 1504, known as Brest in some accounts. The French explorer Jacques Cartier stopped here in 1534. It was occupied every summer throughout the 16th century, up until about 1620 at the latest. Other known whaling and fishing stations of the period on the Québec North Shore include Blanc Sablon, Middle Bay, and Bonne Espérance, and probably other sites as well. There were also several other known such stations on the southern coast of Labrador (see also). Increasing Inuit hostility after 1560, and other factors, gradually forced the Europeans to abandon the North Shore and relocate to Newfoundland or elsewhere.

Shécatica Bay Post
(1738 - 1761 ?), near Shekatika
A French fishing and whaling station in Chécatica Bay, located about 25 miles east of Saint-Augustin. Located on the west side of Baie de Jacques-Cartier.

Fort Saint Augustin
(1757 - 1758 ?), Saint-Augustin
A French military fort.

St. Augustine Posts
(1822 - 1852), Saint-Augustin
An independent British trading post was located here before the HBC (after 1780).

A Hudson's Bay Co. post operated here from 1871 - 1959.

A French trade post was here as early as 1720 (to 1750).

St. Augustine was established by the Hudson's Bay Company between 1868 and 1871 near the Strait of Belle Isle on the St. Augustin River in Québec. A post had been in the area since at least 1720 when property was granted by the French to François Marganne de Lavaltrie. In 1854 Governor George Simpson stated that Chief Trader Donald A. Smith's proposal for establishing an outpost at St. Augustine was worthy of consideration. It does not appear, however, that any action was taken at that time for it was not until 1860 that Simpson wrote to Smith suggesting that a small post be placed on the coast at St. Augustine near the confines of the Seigniory of Mingan. Simpson hoped that the post would allow the HBC to secure trade in furs and oils that had passed into other channels. He suggested that this outpost should be attached to the Esquimaux Bay District. In 1868 Smith stated that he had found a site for an intermediate post between Mingan and Hamilton Inlet. The post was settled by 1871. It seems that St. Augustine was intended to intercept the Nascopie and Montagnais hunters on their seasonal round to the coast (probably to divert their trade with French traders). Furs, oil, and salmon were traded. Appointments were made to St. Augustine by the Council of the Montréal Department each year from 1875, but after 1877 there is no mention of the post, so that it was seemingly abandoned by 1878. It was reopened by 1890.

A new store was erected at St. Augustine in 1966 thereby replacing the old store. With the formation of the Northern Stores department in 1959, the post became a Northern Store. It was in operation until 1987 when the Northern Stores Department was sold to Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later the North West Company).

Gros Mékatina Post
(1739 - 1754 ?), near Mutton Bay
A French trade post and seal fishery located at the mouth of Rivière du Gros Mécatina, about five miles north of Mutton Bay.

Mutton Bay Post
(1929 - 1939), Mutton Bay
A Hudson's Bay Co. post.

Mutton Bay was purchased by the HBC in 1929 from Rodgers, a fishery company, as part of the HBC's fishery trade development in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The fishery was located on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence between the St. Augustin and Little Mécatina Rivers. In 1939 Mutton Bay was closed.

Mékatina Posts
(1852 - unknown), near Tête-à-la-Baleine
An independent British trade post located at the mouth of Rivière du Petit Mécatina.

A French trade post (Petit Mékatina Post) was originally located here in 1740 (to 1764 ?).

Nontagamiou Post
(1733 - 1742 ?), near Chevery
A French trade post and fishery station located at the mouth of the Nétagamiou River, about 15 miles west of Petit Mékatina. Built by Jacques de Lafontaine de Belcour.

Itamamiou Posts
(1733 - 1764 ?), Étamamiou
A French trade post. Located east of Wolf Bay, at the mouth of the Étamamiou River. Built by Jacques de Lafontaine de Belcour.

The HBC possibly operated a small outpost here in 1847.

Cocosho Post
(1831 - 1857, 1920 - 1940), near Wolf Bay
A small Hudson's Bay Co. post located east of La Romaine, at the mouth of the Cocosho River. A second winter outpost was later established here in 1920, as a subpost of Romaine. Also spelled Coucouchou.

Romaine Posts
(1831 - 1858, 1890 - 1961), La Romaine
A Hudson's Bay Co. post at the mouth of the Olomane River (HBC records cover 1893 - 1941).

A French trade post may have been located here as early as 1710.

Romaine was probably first occupied by the Hudson's Bay Company when they acquired the lease of the King's Posts in 1831. In his report of 1831, Chief Trader J.F. Larocque included a number of men employed at the salmon fishery at "Great Romaine" (also called Olomanshibo, Ouramane, and Old Romaine). The post may have been temporarily closed after 1858.

In 1890 Romaine was listed as an outpost of Musquarro in Mingan District. The HBC removed Musqarro to Romaine on the east side of the mouth of the Olomane River in the summer on 1891 since the position of Romaine was considered to be much more advantageous for trading with Innu. The move from Musquarro was probably brought about after the Blais and Buillemette families, coming from Beauce County in Québec, settled at Romaine. The Montagnais also moved from Musquarro to Romaine. There was an emphasis on fox hunting at Romaine during this time. In 1906 the post consisted of about 100 yards square and included a dwelling house (used as an office), a shop, and a store. The HBC also rented an establishment. From 1920 to 1940 the HBC maintained a winter outpost at the mouth of the Coucouhou River, about twenty-five miles east of Romaine. The post manager would visit Coucouchou by dog team at agreed dates, to trade with the Montagnais for furs. Coucouchou was abandoned following the establishement of the reserve, the airplane, and the decline of trapping activities.

The post was situated in the village until 1961 when a new store was constructed between the village and the reserve. The store was extended in 1966 and a new dwelling was erected the following year. The store continued in operation until 1987 when the Northern Stores Department was sold to Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later The North West Company).

Muskwaro Posts
(1828/1831 - 1891), Musquaro
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records begin 1838). Also spelled Musquarro.

The North West Company operated a post here after 1803. This post had a chapel and a few houses, and was noted at the time for great quantities of beaver and marten.

A French trade post may have been located here as early as 1710.

Musquarro was established in 1831. The post was situated on the east bank of the Musquarro River about 127 miles east of Mingan. In 1859 Governor George Simpson noted that the post had not been kept up. In 1890 the situation of the post was not considered suitable for trade since only two or three families of Aboriginal people used the Musquarro River when travelling into the interior to hunt. The majority of Aboriginal people travelled by way of the Romaine River which was about 20 miles further east of the post. Like many other posts in the Montréal Department, all fur-bearing animals decreased in the vicinity of Musquarro. In particular, beaver and marten were scarce. No further ways to increase the trade at the post seemed possible. Subsequently, the post closed in 1891 and the goods were removed to Romaine.

Natashkwan Posts
(1824 - 1847, 1857 - 1939), Natashquan
A Hudson's Bay Co. post. Also spelled Nontascouanne, and other versions. Originally located south at Pointe du Vieux Poste at the mouth of the Natashquan River.

The North West Company operated a post here after 1803, which was noted at the time for its salmon fishery.

A French trade post had operated here since 1710. In 1734 the Bissots, seigneurs of Mingan, managed a post at the "Nonatascouanne" River. Other French era spelling versions included Nontagnaniou and Natagamiou, among others.

Natashquan was located on the Natashquan River at Pointe du Vieux Forte in Québec. It was acquired by the Hudson's Bay Company around 1824 and operated as a trading post until 1847, again from 1857 to 1901, and finally from 1927 to 1939. Although the exact date the Hudson's Bay Company acquired the post is uncertain, it is apparent that the HBC occupied a post here very shortly after the union with the North West Company for the name appears in a List of Appointments of Servants to Posts in 1824. Natashquan was managed within the King's Posts until the post was temporarily closed in 1847.

When Natashquan was reopened in 1857 it was placed under the jurisdiction of Mingan District. The HBC gave up several posts owing to the surrender of the lease of the King's Posts to the Crown in 1859. However, Natashquan remained in operation. Natashquan was managed from Mingan District until 1901. Hudson's Bay Company agent John Hounsell used his own buildings to operate a post at Natashquan in 1910. A post was re-established at a new location and placed under the jurisdiction of the St. Lawrence District between 1927 and 1939. The business of Robin, Jones & Whitman Limited at Natashquan was purchasd and taken over by HBC in May 1936. Natashquan was closed in 1939 and the property at Natashquan was sold between 1939-1956.

Nabisipi Posts
(1826/1832 - 1860), near Aguanish
A Hudson's Bay Co. post at the mouth of the Nabisipi River, at Point Nabisipi, west of Aguanish. There was no harbour here, but the post was on the river. Possibly first established in 1826.

The North West Company operated a post here after 1808, which was noted at the time for its salmon fishery. Also spelled Nepiochibou or Nepioshibou.

A French trade post had operated here since 1710.

Napisipi was established by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1831. The post must have been temporarily closed soon after because in 1832 Paul Bourassa, Jacque Lafleche, and Joseph Gillaway were appointed to re-establish Nabisipi. These men left from Mingan in 1832 to re-establish the post. Nabisipi was in Mingan District. The post closed around 1860.

Quetachu Post
(1840's), near Baie-Johan-Beetz
A small HBC post located at Baie Quetachou at the mouth of the Quetachou River. Located just east of Baie-Johan-Beetz.

Fort Maignant
(1757 - unknown), near Havre-Saint-Pierre
A French post located at the mouth of Rivière Romaine, west of Havre-Saint-Pierre.

Île du Havre Fort
(Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve)
(1679 - unknown), Île du Havre de Mingan
A French trade post built by Louis Jolliet on the eastern end of the island. Attacked twice by the English (1690 and 1711).

Mingan Fur Farm was established by the HBC in 1929 as an experimental fox fur farm. It was located on what is now Ile du Havre, which is part of the Mingan Archipelago Islands. The fur farm was in operation until 1937, at which time its stock was transferred to the Bird's Hill Fur Farm.

Fort Mingan
(1662 - 1759), Mingan Island
A French fortified stone-built trade post on Mingan Island, built and operated by François Bissot de la Rivière, and then by his son and son-in-law François Bissot and Louis Jolliet, until 1733. Mingan Island was granted to Jolliet in 1697. In 1690 the post was destroyed by the English fleet. It was rebuilt and again destroyed by the English in 1711. Rebuilt by Bissot, it was again later destroyed in 1759 by the British fleet.

Mingan Posts
(1831 - 1924), Mingan
An independent trading post at the mouth of the Mingan River was bought out by the Hudson's Bay Co. in 1828. The HBC later operated a fox fur farm on the east side of the river on Île du Havre from 1929 - 1937 (see above).

The North West Company operated a post here in 1803, until 1822. It was located on the mainland at the mouth of the river. Also known as the Mingan Seigniory Post.

The Hudson's Bay Company acquired Mingan as a result of the 1821 union with the North West Company. The post was located on the Lower St. Lawrence River in Québec. A post had been in continual operation at the Mingan Seigniory since it was conceded by the French and managed by Bissot de la Rivière in 1661. In 1803 the Mingan Seigniory, including Mingan, was leased to McTavish, Frobisher and Company, representatives of the North West Company. In 1821 the King's Posts, including Mingan, were operated by the united companies for the remainder of the North West Company lease until 1822. The HBC did not acquire a lease for Mingan again until 1831. In February 1836 the HBC purchased the entire fief and seigniory of Mingan Islands from John Woolsey and Mathew Lymburner, the heirs of John Richardson of the North West Company.

In 1866 as a result of a new agreement with the leaseholders of the Mingan Seignoiry, the area leased to the HBC was reduced to the post of Mingan and a tract of about six square miles surrounding it. Thereafter Mingan became the district headquarters. The Labrador Company, incorporated as a joint stock company, acquired the seigniory of Terre Ferme de Mingan from Dennistoun and his associates in 1883. By 1890 trade in oil and fish had declined. In the late nineteenth century the business consisted of trade in furs and a few cash purchases from traders and hunters. The post was not affected by competition nor did it pose a threat to other HBC posts or districts. Transportation to the post was possible by way of a schooner from Québec. In 1902 Mingan Island was leased to the Labrador Company for one year. The HBC rented buildings at Mingan from the Labrador Company between 1874 and 1924. In November 1920 the HBC sold Perroquet Island to the Dominion Government, but remained in possession of all the other islands included in the original sale to HBC. The post was operated under the St. Lawrence-Labrador District until it was closed in 1923-1924.

Anticosti Island Fort
(1681 - 1700's), Anticosti Island
A fort was erected by Louis Jolliet in the spring of 1681 when he settled there with his wife, four children and six servants. Exact location undetermined, probably on the western end of the island. The fort was captured and occupied during the winter of 1690-91 by some of the Massachusetts Bay naval forces under Sir William Phips during their withdrawal after an unsuccessful attempt to capture Québec City (October 1690). At least one of Phip's ships had been wrecked on the island after the battle, and its crew (and troop contingent ?) remained stranded for the winter. The fort likely was still maintained until at least 1703, if not later. After Jolliet's death in 1700, the island was divided among his three sons, and the Jolliet family retained ownership until 1763 when the island became British under the terms of the Treaty of Paris. That same year the island was annexed to Newfoundland until 1774 when it was returned to Lower Canada, but was annexed again to Newfoundland from 1809 to 1825. It became permanently part of Québec after Canadian Confederation in 1867. During these years the island property changed hands several times, its owners generally using it for the harvesting of timber but otherwise no real development took place.

Cormoran Posts
(1826 - 1831), near Rivière-Pigou ?
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located east of Moisie.

Previously this was a North West Company post from 1803 - 1822 before taken over by the HBC.

A private French post may have been located here as early as 1661. This was at the western end of the Mingan Seigniory, which was closed to outside traders.

Fort Moisie
(1722 - 1750 ?), Moisie
A fortified French trade post located at the mouth of the Rivière Moisie. Possibly built before 1694. This was the easternmost of the "King's Posts" of the "King's Domain". Probably abandoned before 1750.

Seven Islands Posts
(1844 - 1941), Sept-Îles
A Hudson's Bay Co. post.

A French trading post was originally located here in 1679 (Fort Sept Îles). Possibly built as early as 1650. This was a "King's Post". Abandoned before 1760, it was re-established as a British trade post in 1764.

Sept Iles was acquired by the Hudson's Bay Company as a result of the union with the North West Company in 1821. The post was located on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River in Québec. Sept Iles had been a fur trade post as early as 1658 when it was listed in a lease to the sieur Demaure by La Compagnie des Habitants. The North West Company took over the post in 1802.

When the lease of the King's Posts expired in 1822 Sept Iles was closed. The lease of the King's Posts was acquired again in 1831 and the post was reopened. The post was abandoned again by HBC in 1859 as a result of the termination of the lease of the King's Posts. After this date HBC had no post at Sept Iles until it was reopened in another location as a store in 1870.

From 1933 to 1949, Sept Iles operated an outpost at Moisie. In 1951 the community of Seven Islands was established as a town. The next year, the HBC built a new store in town. An extension was added to the store in 1954, a groceteria added in 1956 and a distribution warehouse was built in 1959. In 1957 the store in Seven Islands was transferred to the administration of the Bay Stores Department. In 1964 it began operations as a Northern Store, since the Bay Stores were transferred to the administration of the Northern Stores Department. It closed in January 1986.

Fort Naskapis
(1730 - unknown), near Wabush, Labrador
A French fortified trade post located at the outlet of Lake Naskapis, at the head of the Rivière Moisie near the present Labrador border. French traders were here as early as 1696. This was a "King's Post".

Fort Manicouagan (1)
(1730 - unknown),
A French trade post located on the upper Rivière Manicouagan, along the present eastern rim of the Réservoir Manicouagan. This was a "King's Post".

Trinity Bay Post
(1844 ? - 1859), Baie-Trinité
A Hudson's Bay Co. post.

Trinity was established at an unknown date prior to 1844 and was operated as a fishery outpost of Godbout. In 1844 François Poulin, the cooper at Godbout, was permitted to fish and establish a small store at Trinity. In a unique agreement with the Husdon's Bay Company, Poulin was expected to maintain himself throughout the year except during the fishery season when the postmaster at Godbout provided an allowance for him and an assistant fisherman. Poulin continued doing the cooper work for Godbout from Trinity, was commissioned with the Coast Guard of Trinity River, and was fed at Godbout with the other servants. His house was constructed about one and a half miles from the HBC fishery at Trinity. It soon became apparent that Poulin was neglecting the interests of the HBC for his own. A year later Poulin was discharged for conducting underhanded trading. He was replaced by François Lattinville, a labourer, who was assisted by one winterer and two summermen.

In March 1847 Alexander Comeau reported to Barnston that a new store was under construction. In 1849 Lattinville was succeeded by Charles Flaws, cooper, who left after one season for health reasons. John Linklater, labourer, was appointed to look after Trinity in September 1850. The following month however, Trinity was nailed up for the winter and in July 1851 Governor George Simpson wrote a memorandum stating that it was to be abandoned as a winter station and kept up as a fishing station only. During 1855 the house was occupied by Poulin and some Americans. Alexander Comeau applied for use of the post in 1859, however it is unclear if his request was granted. The buildings appear to not have been occupied by the HBC during this time. Trinity was closed by 1859.

Godbout Posts
(1847 - 1859), Godbout
A Hudson's Bay Co. post.

An independent British trade post was here in 1828.

A North West Company post was located here in 1788 to 1821.

A French post was located at the mouth of the Godbout River before 1670. A "King's Post".

Godbout was acquired by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1834. It was situated on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River near Baie-de-la-Trinité, Québec (at about 67 30'W). Although Godbout was a King's Post, it was not acquired by the HBC when the lease of the King's Posts was purchased from William Lampson in 1831. The principal industry at Godbout and its outpost at Trinity River were salmon fishing, and a small amount of seal oil also being obtained. In 1845 Governor George Simpson was so impressed with Alexander Comeau, the manager of Mingan, that he placed Godbout and Sept Iles under his management, with a clerk directly in charge of each. Although the trade at these two posts was very small, they were retained because of their salmon and seal fisheries. However, these two industries were declining in productivity as the salmon fisheries in the domaine were open to all and people had settled around both posts. In 1859 the King's Post lease was terminated and Godbout was closed.

Baie Comeau Store
(1937 - 1986), Baie-Comeau
A Hudson's Bay Co. retail store (HBC records end 1938).

Baie Comeau was established on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence near the mouth of the Manicouagan River and opened in September 1937. The opening of Baie Comeau marked the first HBC small department store to open in Québec. The building was constructed by P. Hjertholm of Montréal. The store was established to coincide with the completion of the Ontario Paper Co. Mill. The store was expanded to include a furniture department in 1964. The store was moved to the old site of the Baie Comeau Recreation Centre in 1969. In 1978 the store was renamed Baie-Comeau. Baie-Comeau was closed in June 1986.

Fort Manicouagan (2)
(unknown dates), near Baie-Comeau
A small French trade post located at the mouth of Rivière Manicouagan. This was a "King's Post".

Papinachois Post
(1694 ? - 1750's), Papinachois
A French trade post located at the mouth of Rivière Papinachois. This was a "King's Post".

Bersimis Post
(1844 - 1959), Rivière-Bersimis
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located at Pointe de Betsiamites (HBC records end 1941).

A French trade post (Betsiamites Post) was located here (1703 - 1750 ?). This was a "King's Post". Possibly an outpost of Isle Jérémie Post.

When the Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company amalgamated in 1821, the united companies took over the remainder of the North West Company's lease of the King's Posts which included Bersimis. The post had been in continual operation since it was enumerated as a King's Post in Hocquart's Ordinance of May 1733. Bersimis was located at the mouth of the Betsiamites River, on the north shore of the Lower St. Lawrence, about six miles from Ile Jérémie, Québec. In 1822 the lease of the King's Posts expired and was awarded to John Goudie. The HBC did not acquire Bersimis again until the company acquired the lease of the King's Posts in 1831. In 1858, when the termination of the lease of the King's Posts was imminent, Governor George Simpson informed HBC that Bersimis was one of the posts he would prefer to continue in operation. Subsequently supplies and provisions from Ile Jérémie were transferred to Bersimis and a new store was constructed. When the King's Post lease terminated in 1859 Ile Jérémie closed but Bersimis continued in operation. Bersimis was the headquarters of Bersimis District from 1871-1902.

The name of the post was changed from Bersimis to Betsiamites in October 1977. Betsiamites was operated until 1987 when the Northern Stores Department was sold to Hudson' Bay Northern Stores (later The North West Company).

Isle de Jérémie Posts
(1831 - 1859), Les Îlets-Jérémie
A Hudson's Bay Co. post on Jérémie's Island.

A French trade post was previously here in 1730 to 1750's. This was a "King's Post".

Re-established as a British trade post in 1764, and became a North West Company post in 1788 to 1822.

Noel Jérémie's Post was the first post here, a settlers' post built in 1650.

Ile Jérémie was located on the north shore of the Lower St. Lawrence River near the Betsiamites River in Québec (about 68 30'W) and was acquired by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1821. However, a post had been in existence here since Père Laure identified a French post at Islets Jérémie in 1732. A year later the post was listed in Hacquart's ordinance of May 1733 as a post of the Domaine du Roy or King's Domain.

In 1802 the lease of the King's Posts was awarded to the North West Company for a term of twenty-two years (1802-1822). In 1821 at the time of the amalgamation of the HBC and the North West Company, the King's Posts held by the latter included Ile Jérémie. The united companies took over the remainder of the lease and operated the post for one year. On the expiration of the lease held by the North West Company, the lease of the King's Posts was awarded for twenty years (1822-1842) to the highest bidder, John Goudie. In 1831 HBC acquired the lease of the King's Posts by purchase from William Lampson.

Ile Jérémie was the administrative headquarters for the King's Posts from 1849-1854. In 1858, when the termination of the King's Posts lease was imminent, Governor George Simpson stated that Ile Jérémie would be closed. Since Bersimis would remain open, supplies and provisions were transferred from Ile Jérémie to Bersimis in 1859. Subsequently a new store was built at Bersimis. Ile Jérémie was closed when the King's Post lease was terminated in 1859.

Portneuf Post
(1822 - 1857), Sainte-Anne-de-Portneuf
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located at the mouth of Rivière Portneuf.

Previously this was a North West Company post until 1821. This post was noted for its abundant seal fishery.

Portneuf was established in 1824 to challenge competition by the King's Posts. In 1826 Governor George Simpson advised that the trade had been conducted poorly and that the Aboriginal people were permitted to carry too many debts. He instructed the servants at the post to cease awarding debts, to commit no trespasses, and to sell the goods at twenty-five percent lower than the holders of the King's Posts. Portneuf was closed around 1844.

Fort Mille Vaches
(1685 - unknown), near Portneuf-sur-Mer ?
A fortified French trade post. This was not a "King's Post", but rather a private independent post.

Fort Bondésir
(1732 ? - 1790 ?), Les Escoumins
A fortified French trade post located at the mouth of Rivière des Escoumins. This was a "King's Post".

Re-established in 1764 as a British trade post. It was still listed as active in 1786.

Tadoussac Posts
(1599 - 1600, 1628, 1652 - 1760, 1762 - 1821), Tadoussac
Originally a short-lived minimally fortified French trading house/habitation, established by Pierre Chauvin de Tonnetuit and François Pontgravé, located at the mouth of the Saguenay River. Sixteen men were left here for the winter. The five survivors returned to France in the spring. The ruins of the post were seen by Samuel de Champlain in May 1603. A 1942 reconstruction of Chauvin's post is located at 157 Bord de l'Eau. See also Encyclopedia of French Cultural Heritage in North America

A trading post was later re-established here by the French, and was captured by the English under David Kirke in 1628, returned by treaty in 1632. Indians reportedly massacred the garrison in 1661. The first French mission was established by the Récollets in 1615. The Jesuits took over the mission in 1641, until 1782. The current "Little Chapel" was built in 1747 on the site of the original, the oldest wooden church still extant in North America. The trade post was designated a "King's Post" after 1720, until 1760, and was the administrative headquarters of all such posts in Québec (until 1850).

The trade post was re-established by the British in 1762, until 1786; then operated by the North West Company after 1803, until 1821. American privateers attempted a raid on Tadoussac in 1775, but were repulsed by the small field guns emplaced here, according to local lore.

The Hudson's Bay Co. operated here from 1831 - 1859. The buildings were later demolished, or sold and moved, by 1870.

Tadoussac was located on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River on the north side of the mouth of Rivière Saguenay. It was operated by the Hudson's Bay Company during the trading season 1821-1822 and was again acquired by HBC in 1831. Tadoussac had been a trading post since it was founded by François Pontgravé in 1600. In 1720 it was named as one of the King's Posts. Dunn, Gray, and Murray were operating the post between 1762-1786.

When the North West Company and the HBC amalgamated in 1821, the King's Posts, including Tadoussac, were operated by the united companies until the lease expired in 1822. During this time Tadoussac was the district headquarters for the King's Posts. On the expiration of the lease held by the North West Company, the lease of the King's Posts was awarded to the highest bidder, John Goudie, for twenty years (1822-1842). In 1831 HBC acquired the lease of the King's Posts by purchase from William Lampson.

Tadoussac became the depot of the King's Posts and residence of the men overseeing its affairs. Tadoussac was the headquarters of the King's Posts until the end of outfit 1848-1849. During the following trading season (1849-1850) Chief Trader George Barnston, who was in charge of the district, moved his headquarters to Ile Jérémie, and George Gladman, clerk, took his place at Tadoussac. During trading season 1850-1851, George Gladman was promoted to the rank of Chief Trader and took charge of the King's Posts and made Tadoussac his headquarters. However, in the same year Governor George Simpson noted that due to a decline in the fur trade, it was only necessary to maintain Tadoussac as a fishing post for the summer months. The vessels that had usually wintered at Tadoussac did so now at Québec, where the marine stores for the district were kept. The salmon caught at Tadoussac were sold in Québec without being cured.

In April 1859 Chief Factor Hector McKenzie wrote to Benjamin Scott, who was in charge of Tadoussac, and informed him that the HBC did not intend carrying on the salmon fisheries any longer. Early the same year the fishing material was sold to Henry Simard who also acquired the salmon fisheries at Tadoussac, and the use of the ice house and store during the fishing season. Later in the same month instructions were issued for all the HBC property at Tadoussac to be removed to Bersimis. Tadoussac was one of the King's Posts to be delivered up to the Crown in November 1859.

Fort Malbaie
(1733 ? - 1786 ?), La Malbaie
A French fortified trade post at the mouth of Rivière Malbaie. This was a "King's Post" from at least 1733 until 1762, when British General and Governor James Murray granted a lease to a Major Nairn and a Lt. Fraser, with a restriction against trading with Indians.

Fort Chicoutimi
(1650 - 1750's), Chicoutimi
A French fortified fur trade post on the Saguenay River. This was a "King's Post". Another French post (or a rebuild) was built in 1683. A Jesuit mission was established here in 1670.

A British trade post was established in 1764. Operated by the North West Company after 1788, until 1822.

The Hudson's Bay Co. operated Chicoutimi Post here from 1831 - 1909.

Chicoutimi was operated by the Hudson's Bay Company during the trading season 1821-1822 and was again acquired by HBC in 1831. This post was one of the earliest King's Posts, built in 1650 or earlier, at the confluence of the Saguenay and Chicoutimi Rivers. Charles Bazie, a Québec merchant and legal representative of the tenant farmer of the Traite de Tadoussac, had set up trading posts in the area to counter competition from the La Mauricie and Hudson Bay areas. Since the King's Posts were leased to the North West Company from 1802-1822, the united companies took over the remainder of the lease as a result of the 1821 amalgamation. On the expiration of the lease held by the North West Company, the lease of Chicoutimi was awarded for twenty years (1822-1842) to the highest bidder, John Goudie. In 1831 HBC acquired the lease of Chicoutimi by purchase from William Lampson.

In 1845 the trading post was supplemented with a sales shop for the surrounding settlers and a new house was constructed at the post. In 1851 the fur returns at Chicoutimi had become so unproductive that it was reduced to a temporary outpost under the charge of two men. It was also used to convey supplies to Lake St. John. HBC surrendered to the Crown the rights granted to them in 1842, and again became lessees for a period of twenty-one years from October 1851. The post was abandoned between 1856 and 1863 because Simpson believed the trade would be drawn to Tadoussac. During this time, Simpson allowed men from Lake St. John to utilize the buildings for storage and accommodation in the summer. Chicoutimi was one of the King's Posts delivered by HBC to the Canadian Government in November 1859.

Chicoutimi was re-opened in the autumn of 1863 as the headquarters of the Saguenay District. In the summer of 1876 Newton Flanagan, clerk, was instructed to move the headquarters of the Saguenay District to Lake St. John at which point Chicoutimi was closed.

Fort Métabetchouan
(Métabetchouan Centre of History and Archaeology)
(1652 - 1750's), Métabetchouan
A French fur trade post on the south shore of Lac Saint-Jean, on the east bank of the mouth of Rivière Métabetchouan. Possibly rebuilt in 1665. Also known as Fort Lac Saint Jean. This was a "King's Post" after 1720. A French Jesuit mission was also here after 1670.

Became a British trade post in 1764. The North West Co. also later operated here (Métabetchouan Post) (1802 - 1822). A small powder magazine still exists, built sometime before 1778. Site located at the Centre d'Histoire et d'Archéologie de la Métabetchouane (admission fee).

The Hudson's Bay Co. Lake St. John Post was here from 1831 - 1881.

Lake St. John was located on the south shore of Lake St. John. It was operated by the Hudson's Bay Company during the trading season 1821-1822 and was again acquired in 1831. In 1802 the lease of the King's Posts was awarded to the North West Company for a term of twenty-two years (1802-1822). When the North West Company and the HBC amalgamated in 1821, the King's Posts, including Lake St. John, were operated by the united companies for the remainder of the lease. On the expiration of the lease held by the North West Company, the lease of the King's Posts was awarded for twenty years (1822-1842) to the highest bidder, John Goudie. In 1831 HBC acquired the lease of the King's Posts by purchase from William Lampson.

When the Crown terminated the King's Posts lease, Lake St. John was one of the posts delivered up to the Government by the HBC in November 1859. However, the HBC was permitted to continue trading at Lake St. John and they later purchased their reserve. By 1863 the trade at Lake St. John had diminished and Chief Trader George Miles was sent to establish an agency at Chicoutimi where the headquarters of the Saguenay District would soon be relocated. The headquarters of the Saguenay District had been at Lake St. John which, until the termination of the lease of the King's Posts in 1859, had been the only post in operation in the Saguenay area. After the establishment of the agency at Chicoutimi it was the intention of the HBC to sell their reserve at Lake St. John, but no purchaser was found for the property and the post continued to operate.

In the summer of 1876 Chicoutimi, the headquarters of the Saguenay District, was closed and Lake St. John became the headquarters of the district once again. In 1879, due to a decline in trade, James Bissett informed Newton Flanagan that the Saugenay District would be reduced to one post. Since Pointe Bleue was situated at the point from which the Montagnais trappers returned from their hunting grounds, HBC decided to close Lake St. John and transfer the stock and moveable property to Pointe Bleue. Flanagan was instructed to move to Pointe Bleue and appoint a man in charge of the buildings at Lake St. John, in case the HBC was interested in reopening the post. However, Lake St. John was closed in 1881.

Pointe Bleue Posts
(1866 - 1965), near Saint-Prime
A Hudson's Bay Co. post at the western end of Lac Saint-Jean, near the mouth of the Ashuapmushuan River (HBC records end 1941).

An independent British trade post was located here in 1800.

The Hudson's Bay Company began trading at Pointe Bleue in 1865 and erected a post at Pointe Bleue in 1866. An outpost had been operated during the winter of 1864 from the Métabetchouan, or Lake St. John Post, on the banks of the entrance to the Mistassinie River but was closed shortly after. Instead, the HBC began trading at the Pointe Bleue Reserve in 1865. In order to set up a permanent post the HBC required a letter of application from the residents of the reserve requesting that a post be erected. Pointe Bleue was located on the shores of Lake St. John, about the middle of the Pointe Bleue Reserve and about four miles from Roberval, the terminus of the Lake St. John and Quebec Railway. In 1869 Pointe Bleue was referred to as an outpost of Lake St. John. The object of the outpost was to prevent the Montagnais trappers from reaching storekeepers and traders further down river by meeting them at the head of Lake St. John where the three rivers, Ashwopmoushwan, Péribonka, and Mistassibi empty into it. Some twenty acres of land were fenced in, of which approximately two acres were under cultivation for oats, potatoes, as well as other crops. In 1879 instructions were issued for the Métabetchouan, or Lake St. John Post, to be closed, and all the stock and moveable property was transferred to Pointe Bleue. Lake St. John was closed in the summer of 1880. As a result, Pointe Bleue was the only remaining post in the Saguenay District.

A store was erected in 1965. Pointe Bleue was finally closed in December 1979.

Fort Piékougami
(1700 - 1750's), near Saint-Méthode
A French trade post at the mouth of the Mistassibi River at Lake St. John, about eight miles north of Pointe Bleue.

Ashuapmuchuan Posts
(1728 - 1759), near Lac Ashuapmushuan
Originally a French trading post (Fort Choumouchoine), located on Lac Chigoubiche on Rivière Ashuapmushuan. This was a "King's Post". Possibly built as early as 1690.

Became a British trade post in 1764, then a North West Company post after 1788, until 1822. Also known as Moar's Post.

A Hudson's Bay Co. post was later located on the Ashuapmushuan River, a subpost of Lake St. John Post, from 1831 - 1850.

Ashuapmuchan was located on Lake Ashuapmouchouan and acquired by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1831. Ashuapmuchan had been a North West Company post for some time when it was described by James McKenzie in 1808 as "the poorest and shabbiest" of the King's Posts. As a result of pressures to open up the Saguenay District to settlement in the 1830's and a decline in trade with Aboriginal people in the 1840's, Ashuapmuchan was abandoned on 1850.

The post was reopened by 1884 when A.P. Low stated that the HBC had forwarded provisions to Lake Ashuapmouchuan. In 1886 it was reduced to a winter post. The post was closed in 1938.

Half-Way Post
(1850 - unknown),
An independent British trade post located somewhere near Lac Nicabau.

Fort Nikabau
(1661 - 1750's), Lac Nicabau
A French trade post on the upper reaches of the Ashuapmushuan River, at the outlet of Lac Nicabau on the eastern shore of the lake. This was designated a "King's Post" after 1720. Became a wintering post in 1731. Jean Baptiste Dorval des Groseliers was in charge of the post in 1733.

Chippishaw Post
(1818 - unknown), near
A North West Company post located on the southern shore of Lac Pamouscachiou, now part of the Réservoir Pipmuacan.

Péribonka Post
(1926 - 1933), Lac Péribonka, or Lac Manouane
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover only 1926). Sources differ on the exact location.

Péribonka was established sometime before 1926 as an outpost for Pointe Bleue. It was located in Québec on Lac Manouane along the Péribonca River. Péribonka was closed before 1933.

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

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