Northern Ontario (East)

Last Update: 22/SEPTEMBER/2025

NOTE: This page covers sites east of the 85th West Meridian, north of the French and Mattawa Rivers. Post name spellings are per the HBC Archives and the "National Atlas of Canada" (1974).

French River Post
(French River Provincial Park)
(1827 - 1864), near French River
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located at or near the mouth of the French River on Georgian Bay.

French River was established by the Hudson's Bay Company some time around 1832 at the mouth of the river, and was administered by the Lake Huron District. Several free traders had established posts at the site beginning in the 1820's. Besides trading in furs, the HBC post also salted fish for use in the district. French River closed some time after 1864.

Jean Nicolet's Post
(1624 ? - 1633), Lake Nipissing
A French trader's cabin and trading house located somewhere on the shore of Lake Nipissing (undetermined).

Lake Nipissing Posts (2)
(Algonquin Provincial Park)
(1825, 1827), Lake Nipissing
An independent post was located on the south shore of the lake at the French River outlet in 1825. Another independent British trade post was located at the mouth of the Sturgeon River near Sturgeon Falls, or Cache Bay ?, in 1827. Another post (date ?) was located on either Sandy Island or Burnt Island at the French River outlet along the south shore of the lake. Another post (date ?) was located on the French River near Dokis.

Beeman's Post was located on the south shore of Lake Nipissing, near Sandy Island, at the mouth of an unnamed creek (Wigwam Bay ?) as noted on an 1832 map.

Sturgeon River House (Museum)
(1822 - 1826, 1831 - 1835, 1848 - 1879, 1880 - 1882), Sturgeon Falls
Site of a Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover only 1831 - 1835) on the west bank of the Sturgeon River, two kilometres up from Lake Nipissing. Also known as Nipissing House, or Nipissing Lake Post (1). Originally located on Garden Island below the mouth of the river (Nipissing House I), it had replaced Fort La Ronde (see below). It was relocated to the north shore of Lake Nipissing in 1831 (Nipissing House II), then relocated again in 1848 to its present site (Nipissing House III) at the Sturgeon River House Museum at 250 Fort Road (admission fee). The current replica post was built in 1967.

Lake Nipissing was acquired by the Hudson's Bay Company as a result of the 1821 union with the North West Company. Thomas Cowburn and Toussaint de La Ronde were employed by the united companies to manage Lake Nipissing during 1821-1822. In 1823 it was decided that the post should be managed within the Lake Huron District by Montréal agents McGillivrays, Thain and Company. In the winter of 1824 Charles McKenzie managed Lake Nipissing and Toussaint de La Ronde traded in opposition to the HBC. The post was transferred to Temiscamingue District in 1832.

In December 1844 Roderick McKenzie (junior clerk) killed Ettiene Rastool, apparently in self-defense, and in early January 1845 Charles de La Ronde arrived from Penetanguishene to arrest him. McKenzie left François Fortier temporarily in charge of Lake Nipissing. After McKenzie was tried and possibly acquitted, he returned to his duties at the post. However, Governor Simpson determined that McKenzie was mismanaging the post and removed him. John McLeod, an apprentice clerk, was appointed to relieve McKenzie. Governor George Simpson's brother-in-law and cousin, John Wedderburn Simpson, became the manager of Lake Nipissing in the summer of 1846. The post was moved to the Sturgeon River near Lake Nipissing. In 1848 George Simpson sanctioned a horse being sent to Lake Nipissing and the construction of new buildings began. The work on the buildings had to be delayed until a carpenter arrived from Albany. J.W. Simpson remained in charge of the post until he was transferred to Temiscamingue for outfit 1850-1851. In 1862 Chief Factor Edward M. Hopkins advised Peter W. Bell at La Cloche that the business at Nipissing was conducted in an outdated fashion. Therefore, Hopkins placed Nipissing under Bell's supervision for the winter. William Watt succeeded J.S. Ironside in the summer of 1863 and the post was transferred to the Lake Huron District.

In 1878 George McKenzie, in charge of Lake Huron District, stated that the railway was building in the vicinity of Lake Nipissing. He advised that the post be closed at the end of the 1878-1879 outfit since it had not been profitable for some time. Lake Nipissing was closed in the summer of 1879 and the stock was removed to Wanapitaping. Norman McLeod remained in charge of the lands and buildings for the HBC until his death in the summer of 1880.

Fort La Ronde ?
(1780's ? - 1821), near North Bay
A North West Co. trading post on LaVase Island at the mouth of the LaVase River, near the present-day Champlain Park area, originally built by Denis de La Ronde. It was at the end of the portage from Trout Lake (Mattawa River). It was closed by the HBC in 1821 and the post was moved to Garden Island near the Sturgeon River (see above) following the merger of the North West and the Hudson's Bay Companies. The abandoned fort reportedly burned down sometime after 1822.

A small French post (unnamed ?) was reportedly once located here or nearby (date ?), at an Indian village on the eastern shore of Lake Nipissing.

Mattawa House (1)
(1784 - 1821, 1828, 1837 - 1908), Mattawa
Originally a North West Co. post built in 1784, taken over by the HBC in 1821. Trading in furs at this junction of historic canoe routes probably began during the French regime. At intervals during the 1820's and 1830's Chief Trader John Siveright, commanding the Hudson's Bay Company's post at Fort Coulonge (Québec), sent men to trade here. In 1837, primarily to counteract trading by lumbermen, the Company established a permanent post. Its original site was chosen by the Company's governor, George Simpson, but before 1843 it was moved to a new site (HBC records cover 1868 - 1906). In later years, faced with diminishing fur trade, the post supplied its former rivals the lumbermen and turned to general trade in the community which grew around it. The post was closed in 1908. Marker located on the north side of Main Street (Road 533) just west of the Mattawa River bridge.

The Hudson's Bay Company built Mattawa post in 1837 at the junction of the Ottawa and Mattawa Rivers. This site was an important meeting point during the fur trade. One route left the Ottawa River at this junction and followed up the Mattawa River to Lake Nipissing and on to the west while the other route continued north to Timiskaming Lake. For at least ten years prior to the establishment of the post, the HBC had been conducting trade along the Ottawa River and exploring possibilities of setting up a post. Competition from lumbermen and settlers soon disturbed the post. Around 1840 the Hudson's Bay Company established some lumbering shanties on Lake Timiskaming in order to counter the McConnell brothers from Hull from engaging in the fur trade in addition to the lumbering business in that area. Provisions continued to be sent up the Ottawa River to Mattawa, from which place they were forwarded to Temiscamingue, but trade goods for Temiscamingue were received from Moose Factory, and Temiscamingue fur returns were sent to James Bay for shipment to England.

In 1845 Mattawa was placed under the direction of Temiscamingue District. In 1848 the McConnell's shifted their operations to compete with Mattawa. Hector McKenzie wrote to Governor George Simpson in March of the same year stating that four-fifths of the business at Mattawa was conducted with lumbermen. McKenzie recommended that the establishment at Mattawa be transferred to the Fort Coulonge District. Mattawa continued to serve as a transport route up the Ottawa River to Lake Timiskaming. From the spring of 1865 all goods for the Montréal Department were sent up the Ottawa River via Mattawa. From 1883 Mattawa was served by the newly completed Canadian Pacific Railway and became the headquarters of the Temiscamingue District until at least 1891. Mattawa had one outpost at Sturgeon Falls (Sturgeon River House), 72 miles west of the post. The fur trade was negligible, but the post served as a depot and starting point for Temiscamingue and Abitibi. Trade at Mattawa was managed by Chief Factor Colin Rankin and was mostly with lumbermen. Transport of the HBC's property was entirely by the Canadian Pacific Railway at this time. A few furs continued to be traded from outposts. The business at Mattawa was reorganized during outfit 1892-1893 and it was administered as a saleshop rather than a fur trade post. The saleshop at Mattawa was closed in May 1904. The business was continued as part of the fur trade. During outfit 1908-1909 the business at Mattawa was moved to North Bay and Mattawa was closed.

Temagamong Post ?
(1834 - 1941), Lake Temagami
The first Hudson's Bay post on Lake Temagami was established on the south shore of Temagami Island in 1834 under HBC Chief Trader Richard Hardisty (who in 1853 became the father-in-law of Donald A. Smith, Lord Strathcona). It was essentially an outpost of the Company's larger establishment on Lake Timiskaming in the Ottawa Valley (Québec). Also known as Temagami Post (originally Timagami), the post was not a large centre of trade and, in its early days, was abandoned several times. However, in these instances the consequent establishment of rival traders induced the Company to reopen the post. In the 1875 it was moved to Bear Island (HBC records begin 1932), in part to counter the activities of independent trader Alexander Dukas.

A North West Co. post may have possibly been previously located on Lake Temagami (date ?).

The Hudson's Bay Company established Temagami to collect furs from the Aboriginal hunters and traders around Lake Nipisingue in 1820. The post was located on the shore of a small cove at the south end of Temagami Island, near the centre of the lake. In 1875 the post was moved to Bear Island to oppose Alexander Dukis (Dukas). Temagami was transformed from a simple fur collecting outpost of Timiscamingue to one of the most celebrated tourist headquarters in Ontario. In the early twentieth-century the Temagami area became known as an ideal region for summer tourists. The post became an outfitting establishment. In the 1920's the post consisted of a store with a residence, a boathouse, an outfitting store, and several smaller buildings. The post closed in September 1970.

Wanapitei Lake Post
(1822, 1879 - 1891), Wanapitei Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post.

Wanapitei was established in 1822 as an outpost of Temiscamingue. It was abandoned a year later when the HBC discovered that the opposition they were attempting to combat was actually their own men from Lake Huron.

In 1879 Wanapitei reopened 50 miles from the town of Wahnapitae, which was on the Canadian Pacific Railway line. The post was opened with stock from Nipissing. Wanapitei functioned mainly to protect the trade at Whitefish Lake from opposition traders, since the CPR line cut off the Aboriginal hunters who usually traded at Whitefish Lake. Wanapitei was closed in June 1891.

Sudbury Post
(1888 - 1902), Sudbury
A Hudson's Bay Co. post.

Sudbury was established as a fur trade post and saleshop sometime around 1888, located on Canadian Pacific Railway townsite lots in the town of Sudbury. The Hudson's Bay Company later bought these lots. In 1888 Sudbury superceded La Cloche as the headquarters of the Lake Huron District. Beginning in 1891 Whitefish Lake became the residence of the district manager, although Sudbury remained the nominal headquarters. The fur trade at Sudbury was carried out exclusively with European settlers; there was no trade with local Aboriginal hunters. Business was dependent on the CPR, plus the local mining and lumbering industries. Although there were eight other stores in the town of Sudbury at the time, the HBC experienced little competition. Despite this, Sudbury was closed around 1894.

Whitefish Lake Posts
(1824 - 1887/1896), near Whitefish, and Naughton
The Hudson's Bay Company had established a fur trading post on the western shore of Whitefish Lake by 1824, rebuilt or relocated in 1827. It was hoped that a depot adjacent to the portage route to Wakami Lake would help prevent independent traders in Michigan, Wisconsin, and southern Ontario from encroaching on trade north of the French River. In this, the post was reasonably successful. In 1887 the Company dismantled the building and moved it to Naughton (Walden) so that it would be closer to the Canadian Pacific Railway line to Sault Ste. Marie. With the development of lumbering and mining in the region the fur trade declined in significance, and in 1896 the post was closed (HBC records cover 1888 - 1897). Marker located on Route 55 in Naughton, about 17 km southwest of Sudbury.

An independent British trade post was located nearby in 1830.

Whitefish Lake was established as an outpost of the Lake Huron District in 1824. It was situated on the northwest side of Whitefish Lake near a creek leading to Wakemi Lake. Whitefish Lake's main purpose was to distract competitors from other Hudson's Bay Company posts in the Temiscamingue, Abitibi, and Lake Superior regions.

In 1887 Whitefish Lake was moved to the recently constructed Canadian Pacific Railway line near present-day Naughton, Ontario. Three of the buildings were moved to this site. Beginning in 1891 Whitefish Lake acted as the residence for the district manager of the Lake Huron District, even though Sudbury was actually the headquarters. In the next years, increased mining activities in the area brought agricultural settlers and industrialization, which caused a decline in the fur trade. The post was closed in 1896.

Killarney Trading Post
(1820 - unknown), Killarney
In 1820 the fur trader Etienne de la Morandière moved here, then known as Shebahonaning. He cleared land, planted crops, and even imported cattle. The remote settlement he founded continued to develop over the years despite the fact that until Highway 637 opened in 1962 it was accessible only by water. Marker located on the grounds of the municipal building at 31 Commissioner Street.

Little Current Trading Post (2)
(1856 - 1859), Little Current
In 1856 the Hudson's Bay Company, faced with decline in trade at Fort La Cloche on the mainland, obtained permission to establish a post at Little Current. A substantial log building, this community's first European structure, was built near here in 1856-57 by George McTavish, the clerk in charge of La Cloche. However, opposition from some Indians and resident missionaries to what they considered encroachment on the Indian Reserve caused the government to rescind the Company's license in 1859 before actual trading began. In 1868 the building was purchased by G.B. Abrey for use as a residence. Twice remodelled, it was destroyed by fire in 1942. Marker located on the southwest corner of Manitowaning Road at Water Street on a post against the side of a building.

A North West Co. post (Little Current House (1)) was originally located here (date ?), used primarily as a boat and canoe repair station.

Fort La Cloche
(1790 - 1891), near Massey
Originally a North West Co. and then a Hudson's Bay Co. post (La Cloche Post). Rebuilt or relocated in 1808. Probably once located on Great La Cloche Island, but later located on the mainland near the outlet of La Cloche Lake (HBC records cover 1825 - 1888), about ten miles east of the Spanish River. The history of the post is interpreted at the Massey Area Museum at 160 Sable Street.

La Cloche was established as a fur trade post by the North West Company (NWC) in 1790. In 1821 the Hudson's Bay Company aquired the post on amalgamation with the NWCo.. La Cloche administered the trade of the Lake Huron District. During the 1820's, it was the only permanent post in the district. In 1844 the district headquarters were moved to Sault Ste. Marie. La Cloche regained this function four years later. The post was moved in 1856 after local Aboriginal people requested it be moved closer to the village at Manitowaning. Land was obtained at Little River. In 1889 the district headquarters was moved to Sudbury. As a result, La Cloche lost its importance within the Lake Huron District. It was closed in 1891 and its buildings were leased to the lumber firm of J. & T. Conlon of Thorold.

Green Lake Posts
(1822 - 1899), Green Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (Green Lake House (2)) (HBC records cover only 1895) located at the head of the Sable River (Rivière aux Sables).

An independent British trade post (date ?), and/or a North West Co. post (Green Lake Post (1)) (to 1821), was also located nearby.

Green Lake became a Hudson's Bay Company post after the company's amalgamation with the North West Company in 1821. During the winter of 1827 Green Lake operated a "guard house" against opposition traders. Between 1886 and 1890 a dwelling house, men's house, and saleshop were erected at Green Lake. The post was closed during outfit 1898-1899.

Biscotasing Post
(1887 - 1901/1927), Biscotasing
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records begin 1895). Burned down in 1888 and rebuilt. A retail store was built in 1901, which burned in 1913 but was rebuilt.

Biscotasing was established as a supply depot for the Lake Huron District in 1887. It was located in a store on land rented from the Canadian Pacific Railway at the Bisco station. The next year, the store burned down and Biscotasing became a fur trade outpost. It became an important post in the Lake Huron District because of its location both on the CPR line and at the junction of Green Lake, Matawagamingue, and Flying Post. Biscotasing served as an outpost for Whitefish Lake in 1888, and for Sudbury in 1889. In 1890 Biscotasing became a full fur trade post. Two years later, as a part of wider HBC district reorganizations, Biscotasing was made the headquarters of the Lake Huron District. It remained as such until 1900, when the Lake Huron District was amalgamated with the Temiscamingue District. At this point, Biscotasing began operating as a saleshop. The name of the united districts changed to Lake Huron District in 1901, and Biscotasing was once again its headquarters. A new store was built. From 1903-1910 Biscotasing was administered as a saleshop within the Lake Huron District, although it still was maintained chiefly to protect the HBC's fur trade interests in the area. In 1910 it was again administered as a fur trade post. Biscotasing was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1913. It again burned to the ground in February 1927, but was not rebuilt and HBC business at Biscotasing ceased.

Mitchell's House
(1827), near Blind River
An independent British trade post located at or near the mouth of the Blind River.

Mississagua Post
(1799 - 1822, 1850 - 1899), Mississagi Bay
A North West Co. post (Fort Mississagua) at the mouth of the Mississagi River, becoming a Hudson's Bay Co. post in 1821 (HBC records begin 1872). Also spelled Mississagi, or Mississaugue. The post was closed for a time and then re-established by 1850.

Mississaugue became a Hudson's Bay Company post in 1821 on the amalgamation of the company with the North West Company. It was administered by the Lake Huron District. Mississaugue played a key role in the interior trade, particularly in blocking competition from trading in the Temiskamingue area. During the 1830's it was occupied only for the winter. Mississaugue was closed in May 1900.

Fort St. Joseph (National Historic Site)
(1792 - 1816, 1796 - 1812, 1815 - 1828), St. Joseph Island FORT WIKI
Ruins remain here at the southern point of the island. It was built to protect the fur trade and to consolidate British influence in the Upper Great Lakes region. It consisted of a bastioned earthwork, with a large blockhouse barracks, similar to Fort Malden, and a stone magazine, kitchen, two storehouses, Officers' quarters, and guardhouses. The guns were mounted in the river-facing bastions only. The British captured Fort Mackinac, Michigan in July 1812, and then completely abandoned Fort St. Joseph. The empty fort was burned by American forces in July 1814. The North West Company also had a small post nearby (built in 1792), but it was apparently spared by the Americans. This was the westernmost British outpost in Upper Canada at the time. After Fort Mackinac was returned to the United States in 1815, the British garrison moved to Drummond Island, as it was considered to be in a better position to guard the straits than was St. Joseph's Island. Some provisions from Mackinac were temporarily placed here until the move to Drummond's Island was completed. Repairs to some of the structures were then undertaken. The powder magazine was refurbished and placed under a permanent guard detachment, as there was no magazine ever built on Drummond's Island. In 1816 two of the three North West Company houses were dismantled and relocated to Drummond's Island for use as quarters. The British remained on Drummond's Island until 1828 after that island was awarded to the Americans in 1822. The military supply base at Penetanguishene was then established further south (see also).

Sault Ste. Marie Posts
(1768 - 1867), Sault Ste. Marie FORT WIKI
An independent British trade post was established here in 1768. The French had an earlier trade post on the now American southern side of the river in 1751, which was taken over by the British in 1761 and then abandoned in 1762. (see also MICHIGAN page)

The North West Co. arrived here in 1792, building several houses and a storehouse. The North West Co. blockhouse was built here in 1797 (site at the eastern end of the Canadian Locks off Huron Street), to protect the newly built canal and lock for the passage of freight canoes around the rapids. It was destroyed by the Americans in July 1814, but it was soon rebuilt. The Hudson's Bay Co. took over the post in 1821 (HBC records cover 1818 - 1864). The so-called "Clergue Blockhouse" (FORT WIKI) is an 1819 NWCo. stone magazine, with a log upper story that was added in 1894 by Francis H. Clergue of St. Mary's Paper Co. for use as his private residence. It was originally located on the St. Mary's Paper plant site, adjacent to the Canadian Canal, but was relocated in 1996 to 831 Queen Street East, adjacent to the Ermatinger Old Stone House (NHS). See also Canadian Register of Historic Places. The North West Company Lock (1797) was replicated by Francis Clergue in 1896, located at the foot of Huron Street on the St. Mary's Paper site. Of interest in town is the Sault Ste. Marie Museum at 690 Queen Street East, with exhibits on the city's military heritage.

Sault Ste. Marie was established as a Hudson's Bay Company post in 1821 after the company's amalgamation with the North West Company. The HBC had had a presence in the area since 1815. In order to expand trade into the Lake Superior area, the HBC hired Charles Ermatinger, an independent trader, as its agent at Sault Ste. Marie for shipping packets from Moose Factory to Montréal. Four years later, Ermatinger was placed in charge of all company canoe brigades travelling from Montréal through Sault Ste. Marie. As an HBC post, Sault Ste. Marie's main function was as a provision depot for the Lake Huron and Lake Superior Districts, and as a stopping point on the trade route from Montréal to the interior. It also operated a fur purchasing store. From 1822-1824 it operated in the Lake Superior District of the Southern Department. In 1824 Sault Ste. Marie was moved further down the river. A year later it was detached from the Lake Superior District and operated as its own depot. With the promise of expanded business from a proposed Canadian military garrison, the HBC built a saleshop at Sault Ste. Marie to sell surplus stock from Fort William on a cash basis. However, the military never arrived. This, teamed with decreased trade with Aboriginal hunters and local settlers, meant that both the retail store and trading post had meagre results. By 1831 no trade was done. Sault Ste. Marie's business was confined to the purchase and forwarding of provisions and supplies to neighbouring Southern Department districts. In 1832 Sault Ste. Marie was transferred back to the Lake Superior District, and acted as its headquarters for outfit 1835-1836. After that, it became an independent charge once again. In 1839 a small retail store was opened to accommodate settlers on both sides of the border.

Beginning in 1844 Sault Ste. Marie acted as the headquarters for the Lake Huron District. Around this time, a post office and branch of the Bank of British North America was opened, with Chief Trader John Ballenden in charge of both. The post office was transferred out of HBC hands in 1848. A bonded warehouse was established at Sault Ste. Marie in 1852, which imported luxury goods directly from England for sale to Americans in bond. The warehouse also supplied Sault Ste. Marie's saleshop. In 1860 Sault Ste. Marie was declared a "free post," meaning that no duty was charged on goods. In May 1855 the Sault Canal, linking Lakes Huron and Superior, was opened. The canal permitted the direct conveyance of goods to posts without trans-shipment via the Sault Ste. Marie depot. As a result, its depot was deemed unnecessary and was closed in 1863. Two years later the HBC abandoned Sault Ste. Marie. Since it was an American port of entry for the fur trade districts, the company hired a salaried agent stationed at Sault Ste. Marie to deal with customs and the transport of supplies to and furs from the Lake Superior District.

In October 1977 the HBC opened a gift shop and fur purchasing store in Sault Ste. Marie under the administration of 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).

Soo Locks WWII and Cold War AAA Defences
(1942 - 1944, 1951 - 1960), Sault Ste. Marie
The Americans wanted to protect the vital Soo Locks against a feared German air threat from the Hudson and James Bays. The 100th Coast Artillery AA Regiment took up post on the Canadian side of the St. Mary's River in April 1942, employing two four-gun 90mm AA batteries, one west of the Canadian Locks at the Algoma Steel Factory at Steelton, and the other east of the locks (a third battery was located on the American side of the border). Barracks were constructed at the Exhibition Grounds in between the two battery sites. An AA searchlight battery (15 60-inch lights) was also deployed, taking up positions on both sides of the river. The 339th Barrage Balloon Battalion (18 combat balloons) also took up positions. Troops of the 131st Infantry Regiment took up guard posts at key locations on both sides of the border. RCMP troopers also guarded facilities on the Canadian side. A total of 68 .50-caliber AA machine guns were emplaced at various locations on both sides of the border. Under local American operational command from Fort Brady in Michigan, the Royal Canadian Army's 40th AA Battery (Heavy) took up post in August 1942 at Steelton, initially employing four 90mm AA guns on loan from the U.S. until their own 3.7-inch AA guns and equipment arrived in November. The Mamainse Point AAA Firing Range, located 62 miles north on Highway 17, was used by both forces for service practice. The American 100th CA AA Reg. was replaced by the 110th Coast Artillery Group in April 1943, composed of the 162nd, 196th, and 223rd Battalions. They were later replaced by the 427th AAA Battalion (Composite). The Canadian 40th AA Bat. was withdrawn in December 1943. The American AA guns were withdrawn in January 1944. (see also MICHIGAN page)

The U.S. Army's 671st Signal Air Warning Company established a chain of four early warning air defence radar stations (SCR-271) in August 1942, located far to the north along the northern railroad route at Armstrong, Nakina, Hearst, and Cochrane, with company headquarters camp located in rented quarters at a local inn at Kapuskasing. Another radar site was proposed at Sioux Lookout but was never built. All of the remaining American defences and troops were withdrawn from Canadian soil by February 1944.

Between 1951 - June 1960 the Royal Canadian Artillery's 128th AA Battalion was posted here for joint air defence with the American 8th AAA Battalion (until September 1958) and 2/68th Air Defense Artillery (75mm Skysweepers) (September 1958 - June 1960). No NIKE missiles were emplaced here.

Batchawinna Bay Post (1)
(1818 - 1822), Batchawana Bay
A small North West Co. post, relocated in 1819. It was not immediately continued by the HBC after 1822.

The Hudson's Bay Co. later re-established Batchewana Post (2) here by the 1840's, closed in 1870.

Batchewana was established by the North West Company some time before 1814. It was situated on an island in Batchawana Bay on Lake Superior, about 35 miles west of Sault Ste. Marie. In 1821 Batchewana became a Hudson's Bay Company post after the amalgamation with the North West Company. It operated as a winter outpost for Michipicoten and mainly functioned to protect Michipicoten against American traders. It appears to have been closed during Outfit 1869-1870.

Mamainse Post
(1828 - 1850's), near Pancake Bay
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located northwest of Batchawana Bay. It was still in operation in 1854.

Michipicoten Posts (2) (3) (Provincial Park)
(1714 - 1759, 1766, 1796 - 1803, 1816 - 1904), Michipicoten River
Fort Michipicoten (1), originally a French trade post, was built here in 1714 on the south side of the mouth of the Magpie River.

An independent British wintering trade post (by Alexander Henry) was established in 1766-67.

A North West Co. post (date ?) was also here, until 1821.

The Hudson's Bay Co. established a post here in 1796, relocated in 1816 (HBC records cover 1797 - 1901) about one-half mile upstream from the mouth of the river. Ruins still remain. Located about eight km southwest of Wawa.

The Hudson's Bay Company established a fur trade post at Michipicoten in 1797, although the site had been used for some time as a major trading centre for Canadian traders. That year, Henry J. Mose established an HBC post one quarter of a mile from the North West Company post to compete with recent NWC encroachment into HBC territory. Michipicoten was important due to its location on the Michipicoten River in close proximity to Lake Superior, placing it at the junction of the HBC's north supply route from Moose Factory and the east route from Montréal. Competition flared between the two companies until an agreement was reached in 1803 under which the HBC withdrew from Michipicoten.

The HBC re-established its post at Michipicoten in 1816 on the north side of the river, opposite the NWC post. It became part of the Southern Department in the Lake Superior district. In 1827 it superceded Fort William as the district headquarters. The main purpose for Michipicoten's return was to act as a waystation for goods coming from Montréal via Drummonds Island, and going to the interior and Hudson Bay. After the HBC's amalgamation with the NWC in 1821, Michipicoten became prominent as an intermediary shipping and receiving centre of provisions and supplies coming from Moose Factory and Canada. It served as the headquarters of the Lake Superior District until the mid-1850's.

In the 1860's changes in transportation systems and routes decreased Michipicoten's relevence as a supply distribution centre. Innovations in transportation, such as the presence of steamers on the Great Lakes, meant that it became more cost-effective for the HBC to ship supplies through Montréal rather than James Bay. In 1863 the Moose Factory-Michipicoten transport route was abandoned in favour of the more cost-effective route through the Great Lakes to Montréal. Consequently, Michipicoten lost its function as entrepôt. That same year, Michipicoten was transferred to the Montréal Department. The Lake Superior District was divided into several shipping sectors, each with its own receiving centre supplied from Sault Ste. Marie. Michipicoten remained as a port of entry for itself and its outposts at Agawa and Batchewana. However, fur returns in the district were still collected at Michipicoten and shipped to Montréal via Sault Ste. Marie. When the railway came to Michipicoten in 1872, the post was kept open only for local trade. It was closed in 1896. Michipicoten was reopened in 1898 specifically to serve as a supply station for miners and prospectors of the Wawa gold rush. It was ultimately closed in 1904.

White River Post
(1888 - 1903), White River
A Hudson's Bay Co. post.

White River was established by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1888 in order to compete with a fur trade store operated by a Mr. McDougall in the village of White River. It may have operated as an outpost of Montizambert from 1889 to 1898. In 1903 White River operated as a saleshop since increased settlement in the area required that a store serve a new clientele. It is unclear how long White River operated as a saleshop, although saleshop records for it exist until 1906.

In 1962 the Hudson's Bay Company opened a Northern Store at White River. It remained as such until 1987, when the Northern Stores were purchased by Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later the North West Company).

Capoonacagami Posts
(1796 - 1806, 1815 - 1828, 1888), Kabinakagami Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records begin 1822) located on the northeast arm of Kabinakagami Lake. Also spelled Cappoonicagomie or Capoonacaugamy, among other variants. Also known as Mamattawa Post (1).

A North West Co. post was here in 1796 and 1815.

Cappoonicagomie, located on Kabinakagami Lake, was established as a temporary outpost for New Brunswick House in 1796 as a result of Philip Good's 1793 survey of the area between New Brunswich House and the Pic River. At this time, the North West Company also had an outpost on Kabinakagami Lake. The HBC abandoned Capponicagomie ca. 1806.

Another outpost at Cappoonicagomie was built in 1815, resulting from John Vincent's explorations of the area. In 1816, after both the HBC and NWCo. withdrew for the season, both outposts burned down. The HBC rebuilt that same year. Four years later, a new men's house was built. With the amalgamation of the HBC and NWCo. in 1821, the HBC reorganized its fur trade districts. Cappoonicagomie continued as an outpost of New Brunswick House, which fell under the administration of the Moose River District. They were transferred to the Lake Superior District in 1823. Cappoonicagomie was closed in June 1824.

An outpost named Kabinagagamingue appears in the 1888 district report of Chapleau in the Michipicoten District. This may have been the same location as Cappoonicagomie. Antoine Soulier was in charge at this time and operated the outpost on contract out of his residence; there were no other buildings at the site. Kabinagagamingue was not in operation after that year.

Petobia Lake Post
(unknown dates), Cameron Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. subpost of Capoonacagami Post, located on the south shore.

Nagagamisis Lake Post
(Nagagamisis Provincial Park)
(unknown dates), Nagagamisis Lake
An independent (?) trade post.

Nagagami Post
(1920's), Nagagami Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. wintering post at the outlet of Nagagami Lake on the Nagagami River. Shown on a 1924 map of Northern Ontario.

Meshipicoot Post
(1777), near Wabatong ?
An independent British trade post, located somewhere between Kabinakagami Lake and Missinaibi Lake.

Chapleau Post
(1884 - 1889), Chapleau
A Hudson's Bay Co. subpost of Michipicoten Post (4). A separate HBC store was established here in 1886 - 1892 (HBC records cover 1888 - 1900).

Chapleau was established as a fur trade post and saleshop around 1887. It functioned as the headquarters of the Michipicoten District from 1887 to 1892, and operated a depot for the district. It received most of its saleshop business from the nearby Canadian Pacific Railway line. Chapleau appears to have been closed sometime around 1892.

Metagami Lake Posts
(1803 - unknown), Dog Lake, near Missanabie
A Hudson's Bay Co. subpost of Michipicoten Post (3) (HBC records included with Michipicoten Post). Also spelled Mattagami (2).

A North West Co. post (date ?) was also here.

Missanabie Post (3)
(1892 - 1901, 1930 - 1935), Missanabie
A Hudson's Bay Co. post. The post was closed and later re-established.

Missanabie was established in 1887 as a Hudson's Bay Company fur trading post in order to aid in company transportation to and from Montréal. It was built along the recently-completed Canadian Pacific rail line, opposite Missanabie Station near the town of Dalton. Missanabie was popularly believed to be named for a railway cook, "Miss Anabie," although it is most likely a corruption of "Missinaibi," a nearby lake. A new building was erected in 1890. During this period, Missanabie operated in competition at various times with Black Hood & Co., T. & W. Murray, Révillon Frères, and Cote. Missanabie served as a strategic point to observe the opposition. It also operated as the point from which supplies were shipped by canoe to New Brunswick Post (2). In December 1904 189 acres of HBC land in this area was patented. With the completion of the Canadian National and Canadian Northern railroads in 1912, Missanabie's importance increased. The railroads' presence ended the need for inland posts on the Moose and Missinaibi rivers. By 1920 all inland posts in this area were closed. Missanabie took over Moose Factory's role as the hub of the HBC's supply line, as east-west rail transportation from Montréal to points beyond superceded the old north-south river route from Moose Factory to Michipicoten. Missanabie operated outposts at New Brunswick House (2), Peterbell, and Mattice. Missanabie was closed in June 1938. Its land was turned over to the HBC's Land Department and the store later purchased by A. Cappellani & Sons.

Misinabee Lake Posts
(Missinaibi Provincial Park)
(1777 - 1780, 1800 - 1821, 1875 - 1909), Missinaibi Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (Fort Missinaibi (1)) was located on the northeast arm of the lake. Later re-established (HBC records cover 1875 - 1909). Later known as New Brunswick House (2) after 1887.

A North West Co. post (Misinabee Lake Post (1)) (1800 - 1821) was located nearby on the Missinaibi River, near the mouth of the Hay River. Also spelled Missinaibi.

New Brunswick House (2) was originally established as Missinaibi House (1) in 1777 on the Missinaibi River near the outlet of Missinaibi Lake. It was the HBC's second inland settlement on the river route connecting Moose Factory and Michipicoten, the North West Company post on Lake Superior. Missinaibi House was established to compete directly with Michipicoten. At first the HBC desired to build this inland post on Lake Superior, but since no suitable site was found, they picked the site at Missinaibi Lake, sixty miles north of Lake Superior. In 1780 Missinaibi House was abandoned due to lack of supplies and hostilities from the neighbouring First Nations people, who supposedly burnt the post down that year. From 1800 to 1821 Missinaibi House was an outpost for New Brunswick House (1), which was on Brunswick Lake, although it had no permanent structures until 1817; the only buildings were temporary log tents. It was rebuilt in 1817 on its original site in order to combat NWC advancements into the area. After HBC's amalgamation with the NWC in 1821, Missinaibi House, like many other inland posts, was closed.

In 1873 the post reopened, now commonly referred to as Missinaibi Lake House (2). In 1877 Missinaibi Lake House was transferred to the New Brunswick District in the Montréal Department. Two years later, New Brunswick House (1) was abandoned and its trade moved to Missinaibi Lake, which thereafter acted as the inland headquarters of the Michipicoten District. The development of the railway in the 1880's meant the decline in river transportation and therefore the end for the inland posts along the Missinaibi River. The CPR established Missanabie Post, its first railroad town along the Moose-Michipicoten river route, about 25 miles from Missinaibi Lake House. To avoid name confusion, Missinaibi Lake House began to use the name "New Brunswick" in 1887.

In the early twentieth century, New Brunswick (2) saw its profits decline due to increased competition caused by the development of the railway. The post functioned partly as a guard post to protect the HBC's more profitable posts north towards James Bay. In 1911 New Brunswick (2) was reverted from post to outpost status, administered by the HBC post at Missanabie. The CPR's presence in itself did not overtly harm the trade at New Brunswick (2) since the post still controlled the trade north along the river. This changed with the completion of the Canadian Northern Railway (CNR). The CNR established the town of Peterbell just north of Missinaibi Lake. The HBC then built a post at Peterbell in 1916. That year New Brunswick (2) was closed and all of its operations were moved to Peterbell.

Peterbell Post
(Missinaibi Provincial Park)
(1916 - 1957), Peterbell
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover 1932 - 1938).

Peterbell was established in 1917 as an outpost to Missanabie and took over the operations of New Brunswick House (2). Peterbell was situated along the Canadian Northern rail line. It was built at a time when inland trading posts were abandoned in favour of posts along the railway as part of the changing tide in HBC transportation routes. At some point before 1933, Peterbell probably became a full post. It was closed in September 1957.

New Brunswick House (1)
(Missinaibi Provincial Park)
(1788 - 1879/1894 ?), Brunswick Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the northwest arm of Brunswick Lake at its outlet, replacing (Old) Brunswick House. Originally known as Micabanish House before 1798.

A North West Co. post was located here in 1796 - 1804, then re-established at a new site in 1812 (to 1821).

New Brunswick House (1), first known as Micanabish House, was established in 1788 on Brunswick Lake (also known as Micanabish Lake). At the time, the Missinaibi River area was the site of heavy competition for control between the Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company (NWC). The Micabanish Lake site, upstream from Brunswick House, was desirable in order to intercept Canadian trade. In 1791 the Brunswick House trade was transferred to Micabanish House. The first reference to it as New Brunswick House appeared in the title of the post's 1798 journal. Until the HBC's 1821 amalgamation with the NWC, New Brunswick House and its outposts around Brunswick Lake were the centre of competition for the fur trade north of Lake Superior. A Canadian post was established near New Brunswick House in 1796 and other posts appeared around the lake. The Canadians withdrew from Brunswick Lake in 1804 after an agreement was reached between the two companies at Michipicoten. However, the Canadians returned in 1812, establishing themselves on the edge of the New Brunswick House clearing. In response to the encroachment of Canadians into HBC territory, in 1814 the Governor and Committee ordered the governors of the Northern and Southern Departments to winter at centrally-located inland posts in order to personally oversee opposition against the Canadians. New Brunswick House was thus chosen to be the wintering residence of Southern Department Governor Thomas Vincent in 1815. It continued to function as such until around 1819.

New Brunswick House (1) operated its ouposts within its own sub-district until 1822, when it was transferred to the Moose River District. Two years later it became part of the Lake Superior District and all other posts on the Missinaibi River were closed. New Brunswick House was transferred back to the Moose River District in 1831 at Governor George Simpson's request. He saw greater benefit in aligning the post with aboriginal traders from the James Bay area than with those from the Lake Superior area, since the latter were more susceptible to doing business with the opposition. New Brunswick House was briefly made the headquarters over its own independent district in 1837-1839 and 1875-1877 before moving back to Moose River. Its function as headquarters ended in 1877, when the New Brunswick District became a sub-district of the Michipicoten District, administered by the Montréal Department. New Brunswick House's main function was that of a relay post. It operated as the meeting point for brigades coming from Moose Factory on their way to Long Portage, and brigades from the Lake Superior district. Here provisions from Moose Factory were given to the Lake Superior crew, who gave the Moose crew fur returns and Canadian supplies from Sault Ste. Marie in return. This route - up the Missinaibe River through New Brunswick House - was also the mail route from James Bay to the Canadian post office in Sault Ste. Marie. In 1863 the transport route to the port at Moose Factory was abandoned in favour of the more cost-effective route through the Great Lakes to Montréal. New Brunswick House continued to transport goods to and from Long Portage but this function steadily decreased as rail and steamboat transportation took over. These changes, as well as New Brunswick House's relatively small importance as a fur trading post, led to its closure in 1879. Its operations were transferred to Missinaibi Lake, which later became known as New Brunswick House (2).

Meashaguagamy Lake Posts
(unknown dates), Opasatika Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. subpost of New Brunswick House (1), located on the western shore.

A North West Co. post (date ?) was also here.

Mattice Post
(Missinaibi Provincial Park)
(1917 - 1955), Mattice
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover 1929 - 1941).

Mattice was established in 1917 as an outpost of Missanabie at Mattice Station, east of Hearst, Ontario, along the National Transcontinental rail line, which later was part of the Canadian National Railway. The village of Mattice probably started as a railway construction camp in 1903. It was named after an engineer in 1907. The Hudson's Bay Company post was probably opened for the benefit of railway workers. During Outfit 1919-1920 Mattice became a full post, administered by the Lake Superior District. In 1920 the post was moved to a more central site within the village due to the village's growth. Mattice was closed in May 1955.

Long Portage Post (2)
(Missinaibi Provincial Park)
(1890 - 1901),
A Hudson's Bay Co. post on the Missinaibi River at the 50th Parallel, upstream from (Old) Brunswick House.

Long Portage (2) was established in 1890 as a winter provision depot for Moose Factory. It was stipulated that it only be in operation when opposing traders threatened the trade in the area. The outpost consisted of one log shanty, which was completed in 1891. In 1901 it was recommended that Long Portage be closed since trade was being diverted there instead of Moose Factory. However, the administration at Moose Factory later advised that it remain open. It is unclear when Long Portage (2) was closed.

Wapiscogami House
(Missinaibi Provincial Park)
(1744 ?, 1776 - 1791/1806),
A Hudson's Bay Co. fortified post on the north side of the Missinaibi River just above the 50th Parallel, near the mouth of the Opasatika River. Also spelled Wapiscogamy. Also known as Brunswick House. Possibly built as early as 1744 ? Replaced by New Brunswick House (1) located further upstream.

Brunswick House was the first inland post in the Moose-Missinaibi river valley. Established in 1776 at Wapiscogamy Creek, it was first known as Wapiscogamy House and established as a halfway house to further the Hudson's Bay Company's plans to build a post on Lake Superior. Eventually, this meant it was a halfway house for New Brunswick House (1) on Brunswick Lake. In 1777 the foundation for a permanent house was laid, though these plans were overturned in 1780. However, building resumed the next year after the case was made that Wapiscogamy House was in an excellent position to draw First Nations trappers away from the Canadian trade at Lake Superior. It was ready for occupation in 1785. Wapiscogamy House was renamed Brunswick House in honour of King George III, Duke of Brunswick. Brunswick House was abandoned in 1791 due to poor trade. Its business was transferred to New Brunswick House (1). It operated briefly between 1800 and 1802, and again between 1805 and 1806, to prevent the site from falling into North West Company hands. It was abandoned permanently in May 1806.

Capusacasee Posts
(Chapleau - Nemegosenda River Provincial Park)
(1820 - unknown), near Elsas
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on Kapuskasing Lake.

A North West Co. post was also here (date ?).

Flying Post
(1800 - 1914), Groundhog Lake
Originally a North West Co. post located on Groundhog Lake near the head of the Groundhog (aka Kakozhisk) River, just downriver from Kukatush Lake. Also known as Acacoutishendaw Post, or Fort Kuckatush (or Kuckatoosh). Became a Hudson's Bay Co. post after 1822 (HBC records cover 1823 - 1895). The "Flying" name was given later, probably sometime after 1870 (?).

The Hudson's Bay Company acquired Flying Post in 1822 following the amalgamation with the North West Company. The post had been established by the NWCo. in 1800. It was located on Ground Hog Lake near the head of the Ground Hog or Kakozhisk River in present-day Ontario. Flying Post was placed under the administration of the Kenogamissi River District in the Southern Department. In May 1826 the store was flooded. A new house was built in the summer of 1830.

Some time before 1890, Flying Post was relocated to a point on the Canadian Pacific Railway line. During this time, Flying Post operated two outposts circa 1890: Root Post, and one unnamed outpost. In 1892 the post was transferred to the administration of the Lake Huron District in the Montréal Department. It was closed in 1914.

Gogama Post
(1921 - 1959), Gogama
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover 1931 - 1933). The town was first settled in 1917.

In 1921 the Hudson's Bay Company transferred its fur trade post business at Matawagamingue to the town of Gogama. This was seen as advantageous, given that Gogama was located on the railway, and had several opposing stores that were drawing Aboriginal trade business away from Matawagamingue. In the summer of 1921 a new store was built at Gogama. Matawagamingue operated as its winter outpost until sometime before 1924.

Beginning in 1959 Gogama operated as a Northern Store. The store was closed in December 1977.

Mattagami Posts (1) (3) ?
(1794 - 1821, 1814 - 1817, 1822 - 1921/1924), Mattagami Lake
Originally a North West Co. post, near the centre of the western shoreline of the lake, near the head of the Mattagami River, northeast of Gogama. Taken over by the HBC in 1822 and continued.

A Hudson's Bay Co. post was located here in 1814 (HBC records cover 1816 - 1895), closed in 1817. Also spelled (or known as) Matawagamingue after 1817. The HBC relocated and operated in the NWCo. post in 1822, until 1921.

A French fort was supposedly located here before 1759.

Matawagamingue outpost was established by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1814 in order to resuscitate HBC trade north of Lake Superior. The North West Company had operated a post at Matawagamingue Lake since around 1794. Matawagamingue operated as an outpost for Kenogamissi from 1814 to 1817. That year the HBC outpost was closed, while the NWC post continued. In 1822 Matawagamingue was re-opened as the administrative headquarters for the Kenogamissi District. The entire district merged with the Lake Huron District in 1892. In 1921 Matawagamingue's business was transferred to Gogama, which was on the rail line and received more trade from Aboriginal hunters. Matawagamingue was subsequently used as a winter outpost for Gogama. It was closed some time before 1924.

Kenogamissi Posts
(1794 - 1822/1850 ?), Kenogamissi Lake
Hudson's Bay Co. employees from Frederick House, 64 km to the northeast, established an outpost here (Fort Kenogamissi) on the north end of the lake to counter the fur trading activities of the North West Co. in the area, and it succeeded so well that in 1812 it became the chief post and Frederick House became the subsidiary. Throughout its existence, it engaged in spirited competition with the Nor'Westers on Mattagami Lake and Kukatush Lake, some 51 km to the south and west, respectively. In 1822, following the union of the rival companies, Kenogamissi was closed (HBC records end 1821) and the business of the district conducted thereafter from the establishments of Mattagami and Flying Post (formerly Kukatush). Possibly re-established and continued until 1850 ? Marker located at the public boat access area beside The Cache Campground on Kenogamissi Lake, off Highway 144, southwest of Timmins.

A North West Co. post was also here (date ?).

Kenogamissi was established in the summer of 1794 by John Mannall to compete with the Canadian house at Matagami (Matawagamingue) Lake (1). It acted as the administrative headquarters for the Kenogamissi District. It operated outposts at Matawagamingue and Wyaskash Lake. A new house was built at the site in 1807. In May 1818 Kenogamissi's store caught fire, burning most of the goods and furs. The post was closed in 1822.

Langue de Terre Posts
(1723 - 1804, 1786 - 1789), near Matachewan ?
Two independent trade posts in close proximity, located on the west branch of the Montréal River. The first post was originally built in 1723 by French traders operating out of Fort Témiscamingue / Timiskaming, and by 1786 was manned by independent British (Scots) traders out of Montréal. It was sold to the North West Company in 1795. The British traders (NWCo. and HBC) often referred to the post as the Sowewaminicaw Post (or Settlement) (various spellings), and the local First Nations (Ojibwe) knew it in their language as the Yellow Perch Post.

The second post was established nearby (exact location undetermined) in 1786 by independent Canadian trader Eustache Trottier Desrivières Beaubien from Lac des Deux Montagnes, in a bid to draw trade away the Timiskaming district posts. Fierce competition forced his withdrawal in 1789.

Matachewan Post
(1865 - 1920), Matachewan
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover only 1890), located eight kilometres north of the present town. Also known as Fort Matachewan (with various spellings). Possibly established before 1850 ? No remains, a church is now located on the site.

Matachewan was established as an outpost of Temiscamingue in the autumn of 1865 to oppose independent trader Alexander Dukis (also known as Duckies, Duckas, Dukas, Duckus and Duchas). The post was located on the narrows of Lake Matachewan, 60 miles from Matawagamingue, and 90 miles down the Montréal River from Temiscamingue. Chief Trader Robert Hamilton, having enough competition in the Temiscamingue District, passed on the responsibility of checking the competition imposed by Ducas to Thomas Richard who had charge of the Kenogamissi District. Between 1866 and 1870 Matachewan was an outpost of Matawagamingue. It is not known which servants were in charge of Matachewan for the first two years, but in the summer of 1867 William Stuart was managing the post. He was replaced by James Vincent in 1868 who remained in charge until the autumn of 1873. Thomas C. Rae replaced Vincent and remained at Matachewan for only one year. Michael Tobin was appointed in charge of the post in 1874. A seasonal outpost named Peescoojaggammee was opened in the winter of 1875 and was managed by Christopher Jobson. In the following season Jobson replaced Tobin at Matachewan. At the end of the 1879-1880 outfit Jobson left Matachewan and there was difficulty finding a replacement. James Mowat, a servant from Matawagamingue, took Jobson's place for the winter of 1882-1883. By 1890 Mowat had been promoted as a clerk and remained in charge of the post. In the same year there was a small outpost at Grassy River to the west where a man named Wabi was trading in opposition to the HBC. The outpost at Peescoojaggammee (Paspachagamie Lake) was closed during the winter of 1889-1890. This outpost may have been open for the winter of 1890-1891 since a servant was sent there from Temiscamingue to trade.

By outfit 1892-1893 Matachewan was transferred to the Temiscamingue District. In April 1896 the dwelling house caught on fire. The building and nearly all contained within it were destroyed. An old dwelling house near the store replaced the burnt house. In the same year Colin Rankin, the officer in charge of Temiscamingue District, reported that Matachewan was not worth maintaining. During the 1897-1898 outfit, the HBC did not trade at Matachewan. Instead, James Mowat seems to have traded on his own account. For outfit 1898-1899 Stephen Lafricain was in charge of Matachewan. In the 1901-1902 outfit Matachewan was transferred to the Lake Huron District. HBC continued to struggle with competitors, particularly those trading whiskey for furs. Between 1910 and 1912 the importance of the trading post diminished due to the dispersion of Aboriginal people along the railway. Matachewan closed in the summer of 1920.

Abitibi House (1) (2)
(1800 - 1811 ?), Lake Abitibi
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the west shore of the Narrows at the entrance to the lower (western) portion of the lake, about 30 miles west of the first Abitibi House on the eastern end of the lake in Québec (see also).

A North West Co. post was also here in 1801 (to ?).

An unnamed French fort (Lake Abitibi Fort) was located here after 1686 (before 1688) (to unknown date ?), in addition to the first French fort on the Québec side of the lake. Both forts were in use in 1695. Afterwards of 1760 it was likely used by Canadian free traders until 1783 when Frederick House was established by the HBC to push them out of the region.
(See also Fort des Abitibi on SOUTHWESTERN QUÉBEC page 4)

Fort St. Germain
(1673 - 1714 ?), Nighthawk Lake
A French trade post located at the outlet of Lake Piscoutagami (aka Nighthawk Lake). Also known as Fort Piscoutagami. Rebuilt in 1684. Abandoned after being discovered by HBC trappers (date uncertain).

The HBC's second Frederick House was built here in 1785 (see below).

Frederick House
(1783 - 1785, 1785 - 1794, 1798 - 1820, 1822 - 1920 ?), near Barbers Bay
A Hudson's Bay Co. post named after a son of King George III, established to prevent Canadian free traders in the Abitibi region from intercepting the passage of furs to Moose Fort (Moose Factory) on James Bay. Originally located at the junction of the Abitibi and Frederick House Rivers (Frederick House I), at or near the site of an unnamed French post (see below), it was moved upriver in 1785 to the outlet of Nighthawk Lake, at or near the former site of French Fort St. Germain (see above) (Frederick House II). It was closed in 1794, then reopened in 1798 just downriver to the outlet of Frederick House Lake (aka Waratowaha Lake) (Frederick House III). Throughout its operation it encountered intense, occasionally violent competition, particularly from the rival North West Co. on nearby Devil's Island. As a result it never flourished (HBC records end 1805). After its manager, two labourers and a number of native people were murdered during the winter of 1812-13, Frederick House declined further and was no longer permanently staffed. The post was finally abandoned when the merger of the Hudson's Bay and North West companies effectively ended the struggle for control of trade in the area. Marker located on Local Road 610.

The HBC was apparently operating here again after 1822, and was on Nighthawk Lake by 1887 (Frederick House IV), if not earlier (in 1850's ?).

Devil's Island Post
(1792 - 1812), near Night Hawk Lake ?
An independent Canadian free traders' post built in competition with the HBC's Frederick House. It was taken over by the North West Company in 1795, and was closed in 1812. Also known as Wanatawongaw Post.

Timmins Post
(1910's ?), near Timmins
A Hudson's Bay Co. post. The former Hollinger Gold Mine company town was founded in 1912 after the region's 1909 Porcupine Gold Rush.

Pisquochagama Post
(1784 - unknown), near Clute ?
A Hudson's Bay Co. post on the Abitibi River. Possibly (?) an alternate name for the first HBC Frederick House (see above).

A French post (unnamed ?) was built in 1673 (to unknown date ?) at the confluence of the Frederick House and Abitibi Rivers. The HBC's first Frederick House was located here in 1783 - 1785 (referred to as Old House or "Old Log Tent" on later HBC maps).

Island Falls Post
(1920's - 1933), Island Falls
A Hudson's Bay Co. post at the Ontario Northland Railroad station on the Abitibi River (HBC records cover 1929 - 1930).

The Hudson's Bay Company established a fur trade post in the town of Island Falls, Ontario, sometime in the 1920's. The town was located north of Cochrane on the Abitibi River. The Island Falls post was closed by 1933.

New Post (2)
(1867 - 1925), near Fraserdale
A Hudson's Bay Co. post on the east side of the Abitibi River at the 50th Parallel, at or near New Post Brook. Also sometimes known as Long Portage Post (1) prior to 1876.

In 1867 John Garton, formerly at Abitibi, built New Post (2) below the long portage at Abitibi River, nearly half way up to Abitibi near the mouth of New Post Brook at about 50ºN. The objective for building at this place was to draw the Aboriginal people around Abitibi to hunt and trade with HBC and secondly to serve as a depot for Abitibi. New Post (2) was established as a frontier guard or buffer against Abitibi and Kinogummissee in the heart of the grounds of the Aboriginal people around Moose Factory, whom it supplied with necessities in winter. The post was intended to prevent Aboriginal people from trading to other posts, or coming into Moose Factory for supplies and thus wasting hunting time. Boats from Moose Factory exchanged cargoes with canoes from Abitibi about 6 miles above New Post, therefore avoiding the necessity and labour of hauling the heavy boats over a rough and lengthy portage. In 1875 Chief Commissioner James A. Graham proposed to break-up Abitibi District in order to cut off interaction with Hudson Bay beyond the Long Portage post. In June 1876 Abitibi was moved to Temiscamingue District and New Post (2) remained in the Southern Department under Moose District.

In 1889 New Post (2) and Moose Factory formed the Moose River District for the purposes of district management and accounts. In 1891 the fur returns for New Post (2) were included in those of Moose Factory. New Post (2) was listed under Moose River District between 1891 and 1901. It was transferred to James Bay District in 1901. It was attached to Lake Huron District in October 1925 when it was decided to move the post to the railroad line. Subsequently, a store was built at Island Falls. However, it was too late to move any goods and the cost of moving them was prohibitive. Therefore, New Post (2) was closed in 1925.

Mesackamy Lake Post (1)
(Kesagami Provincial Park)
(1777 - 1779),
A Hudson's Bay Co. post. Also spelled Mesackamee.

Mesackamee was established in 1777 on Mesackamee Lake (also known as Kesagami Lake), 70 miles southeast of Moose Factory. George Atkinson, Peter Liske, William Thomas, and William Robinson were sent from Moose Factory with two Aboriginal families to settle the area. Its primary purpose was to protect the business at Abitibi from competitors. By October 1779 the post was abandoned. In May 1780 the Governor and Committee recommended that Mesackamee not be reopened.

Mesagami Lake Post (2)
(Kesagami Provincial Park)
(1815 - 1816),
A Hudson's Bay Co. post. Also spelled Mesaugamee. Located on Kesagami Lake.

Mesaugummee Lake was established in 1815 by Andrew Stewart in the hopes that it would attract more trade in the regions inland from Moose Factory and Abitibi. However, it failed to attract sufficient business from local Aboriginal traders. As a result, Mesaugummee Lake was closed at the end of outfit 1815-1816.

Hannah Bay Posts
(1796 ?, 1803 - 1820 ?, 1822 - 1894 ?), Hannah Bay
A North West Co. post (Hannah Bay House (2)) was located on the east side of the mouth of the Harricanaw River. Closed before 1820.

A separate Hudson's Bay Co. post (Hannah Bay Post (1)) was possibly located here earlier in 1796.

Another HBC post (Hannah Bay Post (3)) was located here sometime after the 1821 HBC-NWCo. merger, for in 1832 the post's chief officer and his family and several others were killed by Indians. It continued operations until it closed before 1894.

Abitibi River Posts
(1800 - unknown),
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located at the confluence of the Moose and Abitibi Rivers.

A North West Co. post was also here in 1800.

Moose Factory (National Historic Site)
(1673 - 1714, 1730 - 1970), near Moosonee
The second oldest post of the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC records begin 1730), also known as Fort Moose, or Moose Fort, was built about six miles up from the mouth of the Moose River on Hayes Island (aka Factory Island) by Governor Charles Bayley. It was a 100-foot square stockade with four bastions. The French under the Chevalier de Troyes captured the post in June 1686, recaptured by the English in 1693, retaken again by the French in October 1694, retaken again by the English in August 1696, then taken again and destroyed by the French in September 1697 (possibly rebuilt, but the site was held by them until 1714). The French named the post variously as Fort St. Louis, Fort Monsipi, and/or Fort Monsoni. Though restored to Britain by the Treaty of Utrecht in September 1714, the post was not re-established by the HBC until 1730-32, and was rebuilt about one-half mile further up the river, on the same island. Known as Moose Factory since 1730. Largely destroyed by fire in December 1735, it was rebuilt again over the following two years. Long the HBC's principal establishment on James Bay, its isolation was ended in 1932 by the completion of the Temiskaming and Northern Ontario Railway to Moosonee. Structures remaining include the Staff House (1850) (Canadian Register of Historic Places), blacksmith shop (1740), and the powder magazine (1865), which is the only stone building on the island. The Staff House was still being used as an HBC staff residence until turned over to the Ontario Heritage Trust in December 1977. Nearby is St. Thomas Church (1860) which was built by the HBC. See also Historic marker

The French fur company Révillon Frères had established a store here in 1903, directly across the river from the HBC. The Révillon Museum, located nearby, explains the history of "The French Company" (Compagnie du Nord), established in 1682 by French ex-HBC employees.

The North West Co. established Hayes Island Post here in 1800 - 1805, adjacent to the HBC post.

Moose Factory was built in 1672 at the mouth of the Moose River at James Bay on Hayes Island. This site was picked strategically to prevent the encroachment of Canadian traders into Hudson's Bay Company territory. For a time, the HBC had its North American headquarters at Moose Factory; Albany Factory superceded it as chief factory in 1683. Between 1686 and 1696, Moose Factory was occupied then destroyed by Canadian traders. It was not until 1731 that a new factory was built. That same year Moose Fort was constructed on nearby Factory Island. In 1735 the entire fort was destroyed by fire. When the fort was resurrected, it appears as though the factory was also moved to Factory Island.

In the nineteenth century, Moose Factory took on important roles in North American fur trade administration. Under massive company reorganization in 1810, Moose Factory became the headquarters of the newly-formed Southern Department of Rupert's Land. In 1901, after extensive administrative reorganization, Moose Factory became the headquarters of the James Bay District which replaced the Moose River District. Moose Factory was the principle trading centre for the Southern Department. Because of its location, Moose Factory also functioned in transportation and supply distribution. It was the main port of landing for overseas ships bringing supplies for the James Bay area and, as such, served as a starting point for the HBC's inland transportation system from James Bay south to Lake Superior. Moose Factory was also the supply depot for all posts in the Southern Department. In 1811 a sawmill was built at Moose Factory to meet the demand for timber in Europe during the Napoleonic Wars. The sawmill operated until 1817, and then again between 1819 and 1824.

Moose Factory's central function in the HBC's transportation system and in the distribution of supplies declined steadily beginning in the mid-nineteenth century. Innovations in transportation, such as the presence of steamers on the Great Lakes, meant that it became more cost-effective for the company to ship supplies through Montréal rather than James Bay. The completion of the Canadian National and Canadian Northern railways in 1912 ended the need for inland posts on the Moose-Missinaibi rivers. By 1931, with the arrival of the railway in Moosonee, the need to use Hudson Strait in the Company's transportation routes vanished. As a result, the James Bay District office moved to Winnipeg in 1934 and Moose Factory was reverted to the status of post. From 1959 to 1987 it 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).

Moosonee Post
(1936 - 1959), Moosonee
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover 1938 - 1941).

In 1936 the Hudson's Bay Company took over the Révillon Frères fur trade post and store in the settlement of Moosonee, located on James Bay on the mainland across from Moose Factory. Moosonee store supplied other posts on James Bay such as Albany, Fort George, Eastmain, and Great Whale River. The settlement of Moosonee had been established in 1932 after the Ontario Northland Railway arrived there from Cochrane. For the HBC, this train connection meant that goods destined for James Bay which were formerly brought through Hudson Strait now arrived by train from Montréal. In 1959 Moosonee became a Northern Store administered by 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).

Pagwa River Posts
(1918 ? - 1940), Pagwa River
A Hudson's Bay Co. post, probably first established in 1918, located on the west bank of the Pagwachuan River (HBC records cover 1938 - 1940).

The French fur company Révillon Frères had established a store here in 1916, on the east bank of the river, closed in 1932 after the completion of the Temiskaming and Northern Ontario Railway (Ontario Northland Railway) to Moosonee made boat transportation on the Albany River and its tributaries obsolete and redundant.

English River Post
(1875 - 1946), Mammamattawa
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Kenogami River at the confluence of the Nagagami and Kabinakagami Rivers (HBC records cover 1884 - 1941).

In 1796 the operations of Henley House were moved to a site known as Mammattawa (or Mammamattawa) at the junction of the Kabinakagami and Kenogami (or English) Rivers. This site also became known as Henley House III. It was destroyed by fire in 1819. By 1820 a small house was built at the site to act as a packet post. It was closed by 1820.

English River Post was established in 1875 by Isaac Hunter, master at Henley House IV. It was located at the forks of the Kabinakagami and Kenogami (or English) Rivers. This site was known as Mammattawa, or Mammamattawa, meaning "the meeting of the waters" since six rivers met in the vicinity of the post. In 1875 Isaac Hunter left Henley House to investigate the area having heard that free traders were planning to establish a post on the English River site. Hunter reached the site before them and, in September of that year, began to build a post. In 1877 Henley House IV was abandoned and its business transferred to English River, which was better situated for contending with opposition and for procuring country provisions. English River had a large garden area for potatoes which were sent annually to Albany. In 1891 the business at English River was threatened by a free trader named Timmins, who made it known that he wanted to set up a winter establishment near the house. The HBC put an end to this and bought him out for $390.

In 1900 a store was constructed at English River. A year later it became part of the James Bay District after the dissolution of the Albany River District. In 1918 English River was transferred to the Lake Huron District. This was due to the fact that it became cheaper for the HBC to ship its supplies to English River along the rail line from Pagwa rather than via the river route from Albany. This shipping procedure involved using the transport system of HBC's rival, Révillon Frères, to forward the freight. In 1923 the HBC operated its own transport of goods from Pagwa to English River for the first time. In 1926 they returned to using the Révillon Frères' transport system. Beginning in 1932 goods began arriving at English River via airplane.

In 1922 a small outpost for English River was established, known as "the Branch" or "the Forks". In 1929 a new warehouse was built. English River closed in 1946.

South River House
(1832 - 1860), near Mammamattawa
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located at the confluence of the Kenogami and Kabinakagami Rivers. Also known as Fort Mamattawa (2). Closed in 1860 and its operations (along with Henley House) transferred to New Post (1).

New Post (1)
(1860 - 1877),
In 1860 the HBC re-established Henley House on the east side of the Kenogami River at the Wakashi River mouth, about 30 miles downstream (north) of the old site of Henley House III at Mammattawa. Known as New Post (1), it was also referred to as Henley House IV. In the summer of 1877 New Post (1) was abandoned and its business moved to English River.

Wascobar Lake Post
(1790 - unknown), near Trilsbeck Lake ?
A North West Co. post.

Henley House
(1743 - 1759, 1766 - 1796),
An unnamed French fort was supposedly built in this vicinity in 1685 to intercept the Indian trade away from the HBC's Fort Albany. It was likely abandoned after Fort Albany was captured by the French in June 1686.

A Hudson's Bay Co. post and blockhouse was built in 1743 at or near the confluence of the Albany and Kenogami Rivers, on the north side of the Albany River. Attacked and burned by Indians in December 1754. Attacked again by the French in September 1759 and destroyed. Rebuilt/relocated in 1766 to a new site on an island in the Albany River eight miles downstream, at or near the mouth of the Henley River. Burned in 1782 but rebuilt.

Henley House I was built in 1743 in order to stop the French from intercepting Aboriginal hunters en route to Albany. Henley House was built at the forks of the Albany and Kenogami Rivers, a known meeting spot for hunters on their way to Albany. It was a transit point for Albany, performed minimal trade and was designed to encourage Aboriginal hunters to trade at Albany. In December 1754 Henley House was attacked by a group of local Aboriginal people. All its servants were killed, and the Governor and Committee ordered that the post be burned to prevent the French from taking it over. In June 1759 Henley House was re-established on the old site, but was destroyed again in September by Aboriginal and French traders.

In 1766 Henley House II was rebuilt as a transit outpost on an island five miles downriver from the old site. Like the old post, it conducted limited trade. However, in the 1770's the HBC abandoned its old policy which required Aboriginal hunters to travel to Hudson Bay to trade in favour of inland trade expansion. As a result, in 1775 Henley House began unlimited trade and was the second genuine inland trading post. (Cumberland House was the first, established in 1774.) At this time Henley House was also designated as operations centre for inland exploration and expansion. In 1782 Henley House was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt two years later as a storehouse for Gloucester House.

In 1796 the operations of Henley House were moved south to a site known as Mammattawa (or Mammamattawa) at the junction of the Kabinakagami and Kenogami (or English) Rivers. (see English River Post above)

Ghost River Post
(1910 - 1944), Ghost River
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Albany River, near the mouth of the Cheepay River (HBC records cover 1938 - 1941).

Ghost River was established by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1910. It was located on the banks of the Albany River approaching the Ghost River. It operated as an outpost for Albany. The site had also been occupied by Révillon Frères, a rival fur trade company, since at least 1905. The Révillon Frères post closed in 1926. In 1944 a new store was built for Albany's camp trade. It was closed between August and December 1963. The next year the Ghost River store burned down and never reopened.

Fort Albany
(1675, 1683 - 1714, 1721 - 1941/1959), Old Fort Albany
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records begin 1692) located near the mouth of the Albany River on James Bay. Originally located on the south bank of the river and known as Fort Chichewan (or Chichichewan). Rebuilt in 1683-84 and known thereafter as Albany Post (1) or Albany Fort. It was a strong work with four bastions and 43 guns. The French captured it and held it from June 1686 - October 1689, again in 1692 - 1693, and yet again in 1695 - August 1696, naming it Fort Ste. Anne (2). After the Treaty of Ryswyck (May 1697) it became the only operational HBC post in Canada until 1714. The French attacked again in 1704, but were repulsed. Rebuilt/relocated in 1721 on the south shore of Bayley's/Albany Island, near its western end. The HBC later (in or after 1930) moved to (New) Fort Albany, the site of the present-day community on the eastern end of Sinclair Island. The community of Kashechewan was established in the 1950's on the north shore of the river after massive spring floods nearly destroyed the Old Fort Albany (aka Old Post) community.

Albany was the administrative headquarters for the Albany River District in the Southern Department and functioned as a factory for most of its existence. Established by Governor Charles Bayley sometime between 1674 and 1678, it was first known as Chichewan (alt. sp. Chechouan or Chechewan) or Chichichewan (alt. sp. Chichitouan or Quichechouane), and built on the south shore of the Chichewan River on James Bay. Records indicate that trade begun in 1679. In 1683 the names of both the factory and the river were changed from "Chichewan" to "Albany". That year Albany superceded Moose Factory as chief trading centre and headquarters for the governor of Rupert's Land.

In 1686 the French, under Cavalier de Troyes, took occupation of Albany and renamed it Fort Ste. Anne (2). Two years later, the HBC built a fort on Bayley's Island, in the mouth of the Albany River, in an effort to re-take Albany. It was finally recovered from the French in 1693 by James Knight, and remained the only company fort in British hands between 1697 and 1713. The French tried to capture Albany once more in 1709, but were unsuccessful. In 1719 the fort and factory were moved permanently from the south shore of Albany River to Bayley's Island.

As trade into the interior of the James Bay region increased, Albany functioned as a main freighting distribution point. Since the Albany River was too shallow for many vessels, supplies were sent to Albany from Moose Factory, then transferred to smaller vessels for distribution at the inland posts of Martin's Falls, Fort Hope (2), Osnaburgh, and Lac Seul. Another main activity at Albany was goose hunting. Geese were regularly supplied to Moose Factory. In 1814 the Governor and Committee reorganized the Albany district as part of a general scheme to encourage trade expansion throughout Rupert's Land. The inland posts of the district were removed from Albany's administration and the district of Albany Inland was created, consisting of Osnaburgh House, Henley House, and Gloucester House. Albany was converted from factory to post and was administered by the Moose River District. This arrangement lasted until 1822, when the council of the Southern Department resolved that "Albany Old Factory and the Interior thereof" were to constitute one district.

With the demise of the Southern Department, Albany became part of the James Bay fur trading district in 1901. That same year Attawapiskat was established as Albany's outpost. In the early twentieth century, Albany's function as a distribution centre decreased. The building of the CPR and CNR led the HBC to ship goods to the Albany Inland area from other points in Ontario. In the early twentieth century, Albany continued to function as a fur trading post in the James Bay district. With the formation of the Northern Stores department in 1959, the post became a Northern Store. It was in operation until 1987 when the Northen Stores department was sold to the North West Company.

Chickney Creek Post
(1750 - unknown, 1814 - 1930's), near Kashechewan
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located at the mouth of Chickney Creek on James Bay, just north of the Albany River. Also later known as Chickney Post (HBC records cover 1854 - 1901).

Chickney was in operation by at least 1814 as a store and outpost for Albany. It was located across from Albany on the west side of Albany River, on Chickney Creek. Chickney's main function was as a site for spring and fall goose hunts. The geese were pickled with salt and packed into casks. These were supplied to the posts in the Albany River District and Moose Factory. Chickney was still in operation as an outpost in 1920. It closed some time between then and 1935.

Capusco River Post
(1750 - unknown, 1903 - 1948), Kapiskau River
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located at the mouth of the Kapiskau River on James Bay. Re-established in 1903 as Kapisko Post (HBC records cover 1938 - 1941). Also spelled Kapusko.

Kapisko was established sometime around 1903 as an outpost of Albany. It was located at the mouth of the Kapisko River on James Bay, about 60 miles north of Albany. Kapisko also functioned in procuring geese feathers and quills during the goose hunting season. It closed in around 1927. In 1936 Kapisko reopened. It served as an outpost for Albany until it was closed for good in 1948.

Attawapiskat Post
(1823 ? - unknown, 1901 - 1941/1959), Attawapiskat
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the north bank of the mouth of the Attawapiskat River on James Bay (HBC records cover 1903 - 1941).

Attawapiskat was in existence at least by 1823, according to the York Factory minutes of council of that year. However, George Simpson stated at one time that the post was established in 1828, for the convenience of Severn Aboriginal people who hunted in the Winisk River region. Not much is known about Attawapiskat until 1901, when it was established as a winter outpost for Albany, in order to encourage hunting in the area north of Albany and west to the Severn River. Attawapiskat only carried out straight trade and the collection of Albany accounts; no advances were given to Aboriginal hunters. At some point before 1921, Attawapiskat became a full post. From around 1928 to 1950, Attawapiskat operated an outpost at Lake River. In May 1934 a flood caused massive destruction to the post. Attawapiskat was transferred to the Northern Stores Department in 1959. It operated as a Northern Store until 1987 when the department was sold to Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later the North West Company).

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

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