Northern British Columbia

Alliford Bay WWII Defences | Fort Babine | Babine Lake Post | Barrett Point Battery
Bear Lake Post | Black River Post | Chatham Barracks | Fort/Post Connolly | Cust's House
Dease Lake House/Post | Fort Drew | Fairview Point Battery | Finlay River Post
S. Fraser's Fort | Fort Fraser | Fraser Lake Post | Fort George | Gitlaxdzok Indian Fort
Fort/Post Glenora | Fort Graham | Fort Halkett | Hazelton Post | Hudson's Hope Post
Fort Kilmaurs | Kitwanga Indian Fort | Kitwanga Post | Klondike Gold Rush NWMP Posts
Laketon Post | Liard Post | Little Bear Lake Post | Lower Post (1) | Lower Post (2)
Fort McDame | McDame's Creek Post | Fort McLeod | McLeod Lake Post
Manson Creek Post | Masset Post | Fort Mumford | Fort Nakasley | Fort Nass | Nass River Post
Fort Nelson | Fort Nelson River Post | Fort New Caledonia | Pine Fort | Pine Creek Post
Fort de Pinnette | Port Simpson Post | Prince Rupert Defences
Queen Charlotte Is. Radar Stations | Rocky Mountain Fort | Rocky Mountain Portage Fort
Fort St. James | Fort St. John | Fort Simpson | Fort Stager | Stony Creek Post
Stuart/Stuart's Lake Post | Telegraph Creek Post | Teslin Post | Toad River Post
Trout Lake Fort | Fort Ware

Southern British Columbia - page 1 | Vancouver Island - page 2

FUR TRADE FORTS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

Last Update: 15/OCTOBER/2025
Compiled by Pete Payette - ©2025 American Forts Network

Fort George (Park)
(1807 - 1915), Prince George FORT WIKI
Originally a North West Co. wintering post. First abandoned in 1808, it was back in permanent operation sometime before 1820 before it was taken over by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1821 (HBC records cover 1887 to 1911). Abandoned again in 1824, then re-established in 1829. The post was relocated in 1891 to the mouth of the Nechako River. The town was formally established in 1909. On the site of the original post is the Fraser - Fort George Regional Museum - Exploration Place (admission fee) at 20th Ave. and Gorse Street.

In 1821, after the union of the Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company, the HBC took over operations at the former NWCo. post of Fort George, situated at the junction of the Nechako and Fraser Rivers approximately 150 miles from Stuart Lake. In 1823 a store was established at Fort George. In the spring of 1824 Fort George was abandoned as a result of the murder of two men at the post. Fort George was re-established in 1829. By 1891 Fort George was located on the western bank of the Fraser River, approximately one mile below the mouth of the Nechako River, and 92 miles above Quesnelle. Fort George was closed in 1915.

Stony Creek Post
(1886 - 1892), near Vanderhoof
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover only 1891) just east of town.

Stony Creek Post was established in 1886 on Stony Creek, near Vanderhoof, as a means of countering opposition trade in the region. In 1888 a trading store was built, and the following year a dwelling house was erected for the clerk in charge. The post at Stony Creek was closed at the end of Outfit 1891.

Fort Fraser
(Beaumont Provincial Park)
(1806 - 1915), Fort Fraser FORT WIKI
Originally a North West Co. fur trade post known as Simon Fraser's Fort. Briefly abandoned in 1807, it was back in operation by 1810. Rebuilt in 1818 after it burned down in October 1817. Became a Hudson's Bay Co. post in 1822, and completely rebuilt on a new site nearby in 1826, which included a large blockhouse/bastion. Also known as Fraser Lake Post. Briefly closed from 1885 to 1887. The original site of the HBC fort is 4 km to the west of town in Beaumont Provincial Park. In 1911 the post was relocated to nearby Nadleh before it was closed a final time.

In 1821, after the union of the Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company, the HBC took over operations at the former NWCo. post of Fraser Lake, located approximately 40 miles south east of Stuarts Lake on Fraser Lake. In 1825 the HBC rebuilt the post on the opposite side of Fraser Lake.

Fraser Lake post was closed from 1885 to 1887 as a result of poor fur returns in the region. In November 1887 the post was reopened and the following year a new store and a school house were built. Fraser Lake was in operation until 1914 when it was permanently closed due to the negative effects of the Grand Trunk Pacific and Canadian Northern Railways on fur returns in the region.

Fort St. James (National Historic Site)
(1806 - 1952), Fort St. James FORT WIKI
Originally a North West Co. post known as Stuart Lake Post, then renamed as a Hudson's Bay Co. post beginning in 1822 (HBC records cover 1820 - 1902). Also known as Fort Nakasley and Fort New Caledonia. The current structure is a reconstruction of the fourth post, from 1896. It also features five restored buildings that date between 1884 and 1889, including the Men's House, Officers' Dwelling, and General Warehouse. This was the headquarters of the HBC's New Caledonia District in 1822. Admission fee.

In 1821, after the union of the Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company, the HBC took over operations at the former NWCo. post of Fort St. James (also called Stuarts Lake) located approximately one mile from the mouth of Stuarts River on the northeast shore of Stuarts Lake. From 1821-1824 John Stuart served as the officer in charge of the New Caledonia District and carried out his duties from both Fort St. James and McLeod's Lake. Fort St. James was the headquarters of the New Caledonia District from 1824-1899. In December 1919 a fire destroyed the trading store and its contents, but was subsequently rebuilt.

From 1959 to 1987 Fort St. James fell under the control of the Northern Stores Department. In 1987 the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

Fort Babine
(1822 - 1871), Fort Babine
A Hudson's Bay Co. post that was originally located in Old Fort (as Fort Kilmaurs) located 35 miles southeast, at the "Y" of Babine Lake (east of Smither's Landing), until moved in 1836 to its present location. Possibly moved again (or rebuilt) in 1871, and renamed. HBC store operations here ended in 1971 (HBC records end in 1923).

Babine Post was established in 1822 between the east and west arms of Babine Lake by Chief Trader William Brown. The post was called Fort Kilmaurs from 1822-1871. In 1871 a new post was built on the north end of the west arm of Babine Lake (as Babine Lake Post). The new location was chosen for its close proximity to the annual salmon run. In 1971 the HBC closed its store at Babine.

Fort Connolly
(1826 - 1878, 1887 - 1892), near Bear Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post on the Bear River, just north of Bear Lake. Originally built on an island. Closed in 1878, but re-opened in 1887.

Connolly Post (aka Little Bear Lake) was established circa 1827 at the north end of Bear Lake, near the head of the Skeena River. The post was established on the recommendation of James Douglas, who had been sent to the area to trade and to determine the viability of a post in the region. Connolly Post was abandoned in 1878 as a result of the small number of Aboriginal people trading at the post. It was re-established in 1887. Connolly Post was closed in the summer of 1892.

Little Bear Lake Post
(1879 - 1891), near Bear Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post. Either the same as above (?), or an outpost of the above (?).

Hazelton Post
(1866 - 1868, 1880 - 1936), Hazelton
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover 1890 to 1939). The first post was located at Hagwilget but soon closed due to unprofitable business. The HBC returned to the area in 1880 by buying out an independent trader at the forks of the Skeena and Agwilget (Bulkley) Rivers. By 1890 the post was relocated to the south side of the Skeena River about one and one-half miles from the forks. The post was largely destroyed by a flood in 1936, which was then moved across Government Street and rebuilt. The last HBC store on site closed in 1970. The c.1900 Factor's House still remains.

Hazelton was established in 1880 when the Hudson's Bay Company took over the premises of W.J. Walsh at the forks of the Skeena River. Prior to the establishment of Hazelton, the HBC had erected a post at nearby Hagwilget, but ended operations at this location in 1868 when the fur trade proved unprofitable. In the 1890's Hazelton served as a trading centre for local Aboriginal people and a depot for mining operations in the Omenica region. After 1900 Hazelton became an important transportation point for supplying inland posts in the British Columbia District.

From 1959 to 1987 Hazelton fell under the control of the Northern Stores Department. In 1987 the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

Fort Stager
(1890's ?), Kispiox
A Hudson's Bay Co. post in the Kispiox Valley at the junction of the Kispiox and Skeena Rivers.

Kitwanga Indian Fort
(Gitwangak Battle Hill National Historic Site)
(unknown dates), Kitwanga
A Tsimshian palisade from the late 1600's. It was destroyed in the early 1800's by other tribes.

Kitwanga Post
(unknown dates), Kitwanga
An HBC post or store was located here. It was abandoned and then taken over as a railroad depot by the early 20th-century. No remains.

Gitlaxdzok Indian Fort
(Kitselas Canyon National Historic Site)
(unknown dates), Kitselas
A Tsimshian palisaded village on the Skeena River from the 19th-century.


¤ COAST ARTILLERY DEFENCES, PRINCE RUPERT HARBOUR
Harbour Defence of Prince Rupert - FORT WIKI

¤ Barrett Point Battery
(1939 - 1946), Kaien Island
Three 6-inch MK12 guns on MK7 mounts were temporarily emplaced here until 1944, when three 6-inch MK24 guns, two on MK6 mounts and one on a MK5 mount, were emplaced. A 6-pounder Hotchkiss gun was also here, as well as two 40mm Bofors AA guns and two searchlight positions. The battery observation post, plotting room, and magazines still exist, but overgrown with vegetation. At least one searchlight structure still exists, located on the water side of the railroad in front of the battery site. The ruins of the Fire Command post still exist, located on the landward side of the railroad.

¤ Casey Point Battery
(1944 - 1946), Kaien Island
A 6-pounder MK1 twin AMTB battery. Two 25-pounder field-mount guns were also located here, as well as one searchlight position. Emplacement still exists. The anti-submarine net and boom defence was emplaced here and across the sound to Emerson Point on Digby Island.

¤ Fairview Point Battery
(1942 - 1945), Kaien Island
Two American-made 8-inch M1888 M1 guns on M1918 barbette carriages, which were mounted on M1918 M1 rail cars, on a spur of the CN rail line. Gun position no longer exists. Independent fire-control stations for this battery were located on the west side of Digby Island, and on Mount Hayes (ruins extant).

¤ Frederick Point Battery
(1939 - 1946), Digby Island
Two 12-pounder MK1 quick-firing guns on MK1 mounts. Two searchlight positions were nearby. The emplacements and magazines still exist.

¤ Tobey Point Battery
(1942 - 1945), Digby Island
Four 3.7-inch AA guns were located here. No remains.

¤ Dundas Point Battery
(1939 - 1945), Digby Island
A 75mm AMTB battery, with two searchlight positions, to protect the secondary boom defence across Venn Passage. No remains.

¤ Varney Island Battery
(1942 - 1944), Varney Island
A 75mm AMTB battery to protect the boom defence across Venn Passage. No remains.

¤ Pillsbury Cove Battery
(1942 - 1945),
Four 3.7-inch AA guns were located here. No remains.

¤ Seal Cove Battery
(1942 - 1945), Prince Rupert
Four 3.7-inch AA guns were located here to protect the RCAF Seaplane Base. The battery position no longer exists, however the ramp and hangar for the seaplanes still exist, as well as several ammunition magazines.

¤ NOTES: The AA battery on Annette Island, Alaska, was manned by Canadian troops, and was commanded by the Prince Rupert Defence Command. The Naval signal station was located on East Kinahan Island. An anti-submarine magnetic loop indicator station was located on Ridley Island. The Boom Defence Depot was located near Chatham Barracks, the Royal Canadian Navy barracks, near where the present-day cruise ship terminal is located. Chatham Barracks is now the Royal Canadian Legion hall. Twelve mobile 40mm Bofors AA guns were located around the docks. The Federal Building (present-day city hall) was used as the command centre by the Canadian military. Most war-time construction was dismantled soon after the war. The U.S. Army's HQ-Administration Building on First Avenue West near the waterfront docks became an apartment complex after the war (burned down in November 2004). A munitions dump was located behind the city courthouse (site now a sunken garden, two tunnels still extant). A U.S. Army military hospital was built at Miller Bay. Nearby Port Edward was also used by the U.S. Army as an ammunition storage and supply staging area. Twenty ammo magazines were located on Watson Island. A pulp mill is now on the site there.

The Canadian Army operated Armored Train #1 (July 1942 - September 1943) along 80 miles of the Canadian National rail line from the train's base at Terrace to Prince Rupert. It consisted of six modified cars with the engine in the center, two 75mm and four 40mm Bofors AA guns mounted on open flatcars, and two mounted AA searchlights, along with a full company of infantry support troops.

Special thanks to David Morgan and Robert Zink of the Coast Defense Study Group for providing info on the Coast Artillery Defences of British Columbia.


Fort Simpson
(1831 - 1866, 1895 - 1901), Port Simpson
A Hudson's Bay Company stockaded post (HBC records cover to 1926). Originally located near the mouth of the Nass River (aka Nass River Post, or Fort Nass), it was relocated south in 1834 to Point Maskelyne at the mouth of the Portland Canal. Rebuilt in 1859, closed in 1866. A new post was built in 1895 on the Tsimpsean Peninsula, north of Prince Rupert near Lax Kw'alaams, closed in 1901. An HBC store was later opened here in 1934, closed in 1954.

Fort Simpson was established in 1831 at the mouth of the Nass River by Peter Skene Ogden and Aemilus Simpson. In 1834 Fort Simpson was relocated to Point Maskelyne, near Dundas Island, south of the mouth of Portland Canal. By the 1840's Fort Simpson served as the coastal trans-shipment point between Fort Vancouver (and later Fort Victoria) and Sitka (Alaska), when other coastal posts in the region closed. Fort Simpson was rebuilt in 1859. From approximately 1880-1984, Fort Simpson was known as Port Simpson. From 1886-1899, Port Simpson served as the headquarters of the Port Simpson District. By 1895 Port Simpson was located on the Tsimpsean Peninsula, on the north shore of Port Simpson Harbour at about an equal distance from the mouths of the Skeena and Nass Rivers. Port Simpson was closed in 1911. In November 1934 the post was re-established and was located in Chatham Sound, approximately thirty miles north of Prince Rupert. In 1954 the store at Port Simpson was closed.

Masset Post
(1869 - 1897), Masset, Graham Island
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records begin 1890).

Masset was acquired by the Hudson's Bay Company from a local petty trader in May 1869. Masset was located near the village of Ut-te-was on the east side of Masset Inlet and traded primarily in fish oil, fur seals, and sea otters. In June 1898 Masset was closed and the HBC leased the post to former postmaster E. Crawley Stevens. In 1905 the property was leased to Henry Edenshaw.

Alliford Bay WWII Defences
(1942 - 1945), Alliford Bay, Moresby Island
A two-gun 75mm AMTB battery and an AA battery to protect the military seaplane base.

Queen Charlotte Islands Radar Stations
(1942 - 1945), various locations
No. 1 Coast Watch Unit RCAF was established in 1942 on the uninhabited west coast of the Queen Charlotte Islands to provide visual surveillance. In 1943 when radar coverage permitted, the coast watchers were withdrawn. 1 CWU had eight detachments (each with a "woodsman", two radio operators and a man with "some cooking and camping ability") located (north to south) at Frederick Island, Hippa Island, Kindakun Island, Marble Island, Hibben Island, Tasoo Harbour, Barry Harbour, and Big Bay.

In 1942 construction of a chain of radar stations for surveillance of the Pacific Coast began, implementing the Chain Home Low early warning radars. By November 1943 it was in place. Initially the stations were called "Radio Detachments" and in 1943 the title "Radio Unit" was adopted. The term "RADAR" was not adopted by Canadians until late 1943. The chain ceased operations with the war's end in mid 1945. The RCAF radar sites in the Queen Charlotte Islands were located on Langara Island at Cape Knox, Marble Island in Cartwright Sound (Skidegate Channel), and at Cape St. James on Kunghit Island (now part of South Moresby Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve).

Fort St. John
(1793 - 1823, 1858 - 1923/1959), Fort St. John FORT WIKI
A North West Co. fur trade post, originally named Rocky Mountain Fort, located on the south bank of the confluence of the Pine and Peace Rivers. It was the oldest white settlement on the BC mainland. It was abandoned in 1805. The NWCo. then built Pine Fort on the Pine River in 1806, about 500 yards downriver from the Beatton River outflow. The Hudson's Bay Co. took over and rebuilt this post in 1822, renamed it Fort St. John, then later moved the operations to Hudson's Hope after Indians killed the traders in the autumn of 1823 and burned the fort. Fort St. John was re-established in 1858 on the south bank of the Peace River, then relocated upstream on the north bank in 1873 (today's Old Fort area) (HBC records end in 1910). A new store was built in 1925 at Fish Creek, near the present-day community. Of interest in town is the North Peace Museum, at 9323 100th Street (admission fee).

In 1820 the Hudson's Bay Company established Fort de Pinnette nearby in opposition to Fort St. John. Fort St. John was originally established by the North West Company in 1806, on the north bank of the Peace River, a few miles below the mouth of the Pine River. In 1821, after the union of the Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company, the Hudson's Bay Company moved their operations to the Fort St. John location. In 1822 new buildings were erected at Fort St. John, but the following year plans were made to move the post near Rocky Mountain Portage to trade exclusively with the Aboriginal people in this region. Fort St. John was closed in 1823. The post was re-established on the south bank of the Peace River in 1858. In response to trade opposition, Fort St. John was relocated to the north bank of the Peace River, approximately 37 miles from Rocky Mountain Portage in 1873.

In 1923 Fort St. John was again relocated to a new site in a fur farming region. In 1938 the HBC store, dwelling, and warehouse were rebuilt together in the town of Fort St. John. A new store was built in 1963. From 1959 to 1987 Fort St. John fell under the control of the Northern Stores Department. In 1987 the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

Hudson's Hope Post
(1805 - 1814, 1823 - 1825, 1865 - 1954), Hudson's Hope
Originally located here was a North West Co. trading post known as Rocky Mountain Portage Fort. The Hudson's Bay Co. moved Fort St. John's operations here in 1823, but then closed it in 1825. This post was located on the south side of the Peace River at the east end of the portage trail. The post was not re-established again until 1865. The name "Hudson's Hope" first appears in 1868. Relocated to the north side of the river in 1897, it was moved again to its present site in 1899 (HBC records cover 1895 to 1907). A new store was built in 1913. A replica of the post is at the Hudson's Hope Museum, which was the former HBC store built in 1942. A log church, trapper's cabin and other buildings are preserved.

Hudson's Hope was established as a temporary outpost of Fort St. John in 1865 on the south side of the Peace River at the east end of the Rocky Mountain Portage. Circa 1867, a permanent outpost was established at Hudson's Hope. In 1913 a store was built, and Hudson's Hope was opened as a regular post in order to provide for the influx of settlers to the region. In June 1954 trading operations were ceased at Hudson's Hope, and in 1964 the store buildings were sold to the British Columbia Department of Highways.

Cust's House
(1820's ?, 1830's ?), near Hudson's Hope
An independent trade post located at the west end of the Rocky Mountain Portage trail from Hudson's Hope, as noted on an 1832 map. A Hudson's Bay Company post was said to have been here previously. There was no post here before 1814.

Fort McLeod (National Historic Site)
(1805 - 1911), McLeod Lake FORT WIKI
A North West Co. fur trade post, originally known as Trout Lake Fort. Renamed and relocated to a new site by the HBC in 1822. Also known as McLeod Lake Post. Relocated again in 1853. HBC records end in 1911. Several structures from the 1920's and 1940's still remain.

In 1821, after the union of the Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company, the HBC took over operations at the former NWCo. post of McLeod's Lake, situated on McLeod's Lake. From 1821-1824 John Stuart served as the officer in charge of the New Caledonia District and carried out his duties from both McLeod's Lake and Fort St. James.

In 1953 the post was moved to a new site on the opposite side of McLeod's Lake. In 1964 the name of the post was changed to McLeod Lake Post. McLeod Lake Post was closed in January 1968.

Manson Creek Post
(1935 - unknown), Manson Creek
An HBC retail store to supply local gold miners. The main HBC log building is still extant, as well as several other mining structures and cabins.

Fort Graham
(1870's - 1949), Fort Graham
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover 1890 - 1922) located near the north-middle of Williston Lake, several miles up from the Peace River junction. Also known as Bear Lake Post. Site is submerged under the waters of the man-made lake since the late 1960's.

Bear Lake Outpost was established circa 1870 on the Finlay River, approximately 65 miles north from the junction of the Parsnip and Peace Rivers, as an outpost of Connolly's Post (Little Bear Lake). Bear Lake Outpost was supplied by McLeod's Lake. During the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, Bear Lake Outpost became the wintering quarters for Inspector Moody and his party of North West Mounted Police. In 1900, after Connolly's Post was closed, Bear Lake Outpost was renamed Fort Grahame. In June 1949 Fort Grahame was closed.

Finlay River Post
(1824),
A Hudson's Bay Co. post. Exact location undetermined, possibly at or near the original Fort Ware location.

Fort Ware
(1870's ? - 1939), near Fort Ware
A Hudson's Bay Co. trade post (HBC records cover 1890 to 1922). Originally located about a mile or so above the White Water River, it was moved several times. The present community was relocated in the 1960's due to the impoundment of Williston Lake.

Fort Nelson
(1805 - 1902/1967), Fort Nelson
Originally a North West Company fur trade post, located about 80 miles up the Liard River from the forks. Attacked and destroyed by Beaver Indians in early 1813, killing Alexander Henry, Jr., and several others. Became a Hudson's Bay Co. post in 1822. Relocated in 1865 to the junction of the Fort Nelson and Muskwa Rivers (HBC records cover 1871 to 1902). An HBC store was established in 1942 near the Alaska Highway, taking the name of "Fort Nelson", which became the nucleus of the present town. The former post site then became known as Fort Nelson River, and was relocated a mile further up the river in 1944. The HBC store there closed in 1967. Of interest in town is the Fort Nelson Heritage Museum operated by the Fort Nelson Historical Society.

Fort Nelson was established in 1865 by HBC clerk William Cornwallis King. From 1865-1942 Fort Nelson was located on the west bank of the Liard River at the junction of the Fort Nelson and Muskwa Rivers. In 1942 a new post was built closer to the Alaska Highway, approximately one mile upstream, on the east bank of the Liard River, and the old post was subsequently used as a trade camp. In 1944 the old post was moved half a mile further upstream on the Liard River. In 1951 the new post, known as Fort Nelson 300 Mile, took on the name of Fort Nelson. In 1960 the old post was renamed Fort Nelson River. The store at Fort Nelson River was closed in 1967. From 1959 to 1987 Fort Nelson fell under the control of the Northern Stores Department. In 1987 the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

Toad River Post
(1867 - 1889), Toad River
A Hudson's Bay Co. post that replaced Fort Halkett. The town was abandoned by 1890.

Black River Post
(1888 ? - 1892/1898),
An independent trade post operated by Rufus Sylvester until bought out by the Hudson's Bay Co. in 1888 (HBC records begin in 1890). The HBC sold the post to private interests in 1892. Located on the north side of the forks of the Black River (aka Turnagain River), near the Dall River, about 70 miles or so upstream from its confluence with the Liard River.

Black River post was acquired by the HBC in July 1888 from Rufus Sylvester. Black River post was situated on the north side of the forks of the Black River (now known as Turnagain River), approximately 70 miles from its junction with the Liard River. In 1892 the HBC sold Black River post to former clerk in charge, John LaMountagne. In 1893 the HBC sold its interests in the Cassiar District as a whole to LaMountagne, and ceased its trade in the region. In the summer of 1897 the HBC took over LaMountagne's business and resumed trade and control of the posts in the Cassiar District, including Black River. Black River, or the Lower Post (1), as it was also called, was closed in 1899 due to poor returns and the re-establishment of Fort Nelson.

Fort Halkett
(Smith River Falls Provincial Park)
(1829 - 1875), near Smith River
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records end in 1865) originally on the Liard River, near the Fort Nelson River. Relocated in 1831 to the Buffalo River, near the Reindeer River. Relocated again in 1832 to the mouth of the Smith River. The last site is preserved as a protected area within the provincial park.

Fort Halkett was established on the west bank of the Liard River in 1829. In 1833 Fort Halkett was moved to Buffalo River, near Reindeer River, on the east branch of the Liard River as a means of providing a more central trading depot for the local Aboriginal communities. Fort Halkett was abandoned in 1865 after the establishment of Fort Nelson, which took over the majority of trade in the region.

Liard Post
(1876 - 1911), Lower Post
An independent trade post operated by Rufus Sylvester until bought out by the Hudson's Bay Co. in 1888. A new post was built in 1889 (HBC records begin in 1890). The town later became known as Lower Post (2) to distinguish it from Upper Liard (settled 1954) in Yukon Territory. HBC store operations ceased here by 1960.

Originally established in 1876, Liard Post was acquired by the HBC from Rufus Sylvester in July 1888. In 1893 the HBC sold its interests in the Cassiar District to former HBC clerk John LaMountagne, and ceased its trade in the region. In the summer of 1897, the HBC took over LaMountagne's business and resumed trade and control of the posts in the Cassiar District, including Liard Post. In September 1899 the HBC closed the post originally established by Sylvester and rebuilt Liard Post on the Liard River, approximately one mile above its junction with the Dease River, two and a half miles south of the Yukon boundary line. In October 1940 the name of Liard Post was changed to Lower Post (2). In June 1960 the store at Lower Post was closed.

Fort Drew
(1850 ? - unknown), near Good Hope Lake ?
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located south of Lower Post, on the Dease River at Caribou Creek.

McDame's Creek Post
(1875 - 1943), McDame Post
An independent trade post operated by Rufus Sylvester until bought out by the Hudson's Bay Co. in 1888 (HBC records cover 1877 - 1923), located on McDame's Creek at its confluence with the Dease River, near Good Hope Lake, first established during the Cassiar region gold rush. Also known as Fort McDame. The post was moved in 1890 and again in 1928. The town, formerly named Sylvester's Landing, was abandoned by 1960. Ruins remain.

Originally established in 1876, McDame's Creek was acquired by the HBC from Rufus Sylvester in July 1888. McDame's Creek post was situated on the Dease River, seventy-five miles north of Dease Lake at the mouth of McDame's Creek. From 1888-1893 McDame's Creek served as headquarters of the Cassiar District. In 1893 the HBC sold its interests in the Cassiar District to former HBC clerk John LaMountagne, and ceased its trade in the region. In the summer of 1897, the HBC took over LaMountagne's business and resumed trade and control of the posts in the Cassiar District, including McDame's Creek. McDame's Creek was closed in June 1943 due to difficulty in obtaining suitable staff to run the post.

Dease Lake House
(1837 - 1838, 1875 - 1945), near Dease Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. fur trade post built by Robert Campbell, originally located about 50km north of the Tanzilla River. Abandoned after only a year or so of use due to trouble with the local Indians, who had attempted to burn down the fort on one occasion. Later re-established further south at Laketon (Laketon Post) during the region's gold rush period (HBC records cover 1898 to 1904). Relocated in 1906 to Porter's Landing, just south of Thibert Creek, as Dease Lake Post. Rebuilt/relocated again in 1928. Ruins of the last post still exist.

Dease Lake was first established in 1837 on the north east shore of Dease Lake by Robert Campbell. The post was abandoned in 1839 as a result of conflict between the HBC and the local Aboriginal population. In the 1870's the HBC established a presence at Dease Lake (also known as Laketon), but it was not until 1898 that a post was established at this location. In 1906 Dease Lake post was moved to Lot 143, Porter's Landing, on the west side of Dease Lake, to accommodate the local Aboriginal population and the Thibert Creek trade. Around 1928 the post was relocated to the head of Dease Lake. In 1939 the operation of Dease Lake was taken over by the HBC Land Department. Dease Lake post was closed in August 1945.

Telegraph Creek Post
(1902 - 1972), Telegraph Creek
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover to 1909). The HBC initially purchased the Casa Trading Company buildings and stock. In 1904 the buildings at the closed Glenora store were relocated here. HBC store operations here ended in 1972. The historic main building (built 1898) is now a lodge and restaurant (Riversong Lodge, Cafe and General Store) since 1977. Gold was discovered on the Stikine River in the 1860's. A telegraph line was connected in 1866.

Fort Mumford
(1799 - unknown), near Glenora
A Hudson's Bay Co. post on the Stikine River near Shakes Creek.

Glenora Post
(1874 - 1898, 1899 - 1903), Glenora
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records begin in 1897) located at Glenora Landing. Also known as Fort Glenora. After the first post was closed and relocated to Teslin Lake, a new store was built in 1899, but then closed in 1903 to consolidate with the post at Telegraph Creek.

Glenora was established in 1898, approximately twelve miles down river from Telegraph Creek on the Stikine River, in response to increased mining interests in the region. HBC presence at Glenora had been previously established in 1874, when Alexander Choquette began trading there and operated a small saleshop. In 1899 a store was built at Glenora. From 1898-1899 Glenora served as headquarters of the Cassiar Distict. In the winter of 1901-1902, another store was established at Telegraph Creek as a means of challenging competitors. In the winter of 1903-1904 the post at Glenora was closed and operations were moved to Telegraph Creek. The store at Glenora was cut in half and moved by teams of horses to the site at Telegraph Creek. From 1909-1945 the HBC operated a hotel at Telegraph Creek. In August 1972 the post and store at Telegraph Creek post were closed.

Teslin Post
(1898 - 1901), Teslin Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located at the southern end of the lake, according to the HBC Archives post locator map. Closed in 1901 and the post manager transferred to Liard (Lower Post). Re-established in 1903 at Teslin, Yukon Territory (see also).
NOTE: The NWMP Teslin Post (1906) was in Yukon Territory.

Teslin Post was established in 1898 on Lots 15-19, Second Street, Block 1 in Teslin City by John C. Boyd. The HBC had established a presence in the region in 1891, when they began to cut a pack-horse trail between Telegraph Creek and Teslin Lake. In 1901 Teslin Post was closed, and clerk in charge George Adsit was sent to (Lower) Liard Post.

Pine Creek Post
(1904 - 1905), near Atlin
A NWMP post. The former gold-mining community was later named Discovery. Located 8.7 km east of town along Discovery Road.

Klondike Gold Rush NWMP Posts
(Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site)
(1898 - 1899), near Bennett
North West Mounted Police tent camps were located at Lindeman (1898), Bennett, White Pass (1898), Log Cabin, and Chilkoot Pass. These posts were established during the later stages of the Klondike gold rush to control the flow of people and materiél over the border. The NWMP first arrived in the Yukon Territory in 1895. NWMP detachments arrived at Chilkoot Pass in February 1898, just days before the U.S. Army arrived in Skagway, and confirmed this area for Canada when the international boundary was still undetermined. The Chilkoot Pass detachment transferred to Lindeman in July 1898, then left from there in November 1898. The White Pass detachment transferred to Log Cabin. The park is administered by the Yukon National Historic Sites Division of Parks Canada.


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

NEED MORE INFO:
Towns: Hyland Post in Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Park.

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