Northern Ontario (West)

Last Update: 22/SEPTEMBER/2025

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

Montizambert Post
(1888 - 1959), Mobert
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the White River east of Pic River, near the outlet of White Lake (HBC records cover 1892 - 1933). The community was renamed Mobert in 1946.

Montizambert was established in 1888 as a replacement for Pic, which was abandoned that year. Montizambert was located on the White River adjacent to the main transcontinental line of the Canadian Pacific Railway. It was likely named after an engineer who worked on the construction of the railway. In 1900 a new store was built. Forty years later, the store and dwelling house were rebuilt. Beginning in 1959 Montizambert operated as a Northern Store. It was closed in May 1969.

Black River Post
(1823 - 1825), near Pic River
A Hudson's Bay Co. outpost of Pic River Post. Undetermined location. Possibly (?) at the confluence of the Black and Pic Rivers, at the present site of the Ojibways of Pic River First Nation community of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg.

Pic River Posts
(Pic River National Historic Site)
(1779 - 1888/1894), Pic River
Originally an independent trade post. Became a North West Co. post by 1799, relocated in 1803. Taken over by the Hudson's Bay Co. in 1821. An XY Company post was also located nearby in 1803 - 1804.

The mouth of the Pic River has been the centre of native trade and settlement for thousands of years. It was a strategic location in the region's water transportation network because it offered access to northern lands and a canoe route to James Bay. The halfway point for canoers travelling the north shore of Lake Superior, "the Pic" first appeared on European maps in the mid-seventeenth century. Local natives began to trade furs with the French-Canadians in the late 1770's, prompting a French trader to set up a post here by 1792. The Hudson's Bay Company operated the post (Fort Pic) from 1821 (HBC records begin 1827) until encroaching settlement led to its relocation in 1888 (HBC records end 1894). In 1914 the Pic became a treaty reserve for its traditional inhabitants, the Ojibways of Pic River First Nation Reserve No. 50. Historic marker located near the St. Xavier Church, off Park Road, in the Pic River First Nation Reserve.

Pic became an HBC post in 1821, after the amalgamation with the North West Company. The North West Company had established Pic initially ca. 1785. Pic was part of the Lake Superior District in the Southern Department. Pic operated outposts at Long Lake (1823-1872), Black River (1823-1825), and Pays Plat (1861-1862). Pic's disadvantage was its proximity to Sault Ste. Marie and the American border, both of which drew Aboriginal hunters away from Pic. In the 1860's opposition traders appeared in the area. Pic was closed during outfit 1887-1888 and its business was moved to Montizambert.

Lesser Long Lake Posts
(Steel River Provincial Park)
(1815 - unknown), Steel Lake ?
A North West Co. post and a Hudson's Bay Co. post were both located here. Also known as Little Long Lake.

Long Lake Posts ?
(1790's - 1941), Long Lake, Longlac
In 1814 the Hudson's Bay Co. (HBC records begin 1815) established Long Lake House, about 3 km southwest of Long Lake, close to the post established here prior to 1800 (sometime after 1790) by the North West Company. The latter had been intercepting trade which would otherwise have gone to the HBC's Henley House on the Albany River some 225 km to the northeast. The NWCo. relocated/rebuilt its post in 1815. The two local posts continued in bitter competition until the union of the rival companies in 1821. In subsequent years the post was a relay post on the winter "express route" between Red River and Moose Factory. The post was relocated in 1850 to the present village of Long Lake. The post was moved again in 1921 to its present location in Longlac. Historic marker located in Centennial Park at Forestry Road and York Street in Longlac.

A French post may have once been located here, possibly where the first NWCo. post was located on the northwest side of the lake, opposite the mouth of the Ground River, about one mile from the lake outlet.

Long Lake was established in 1814 as an outpost for Henley House in an effort to expand inland exploration above Henley. Reference to Hudson's Bay Company explorations in the Long Lake region date back to 1776, and French familiarity with the region seems to go back even further. From 1815-1821, Long Lake acted as a full post and was administered by the Henley District, as part of the Albany Inland District. During this time Long Lake operated a number of outposts, including Lesser Long Lake (also known as Little Long Lake), Cat Lake, Big Lake (now Fleming Lake), Raw Bone Lake (now Esnagami Lake), and Flint Lake. After Henley House was destroyed in 1819, Long Lake became the district headquarters. It was closed in 1821, but reopened soon after as an outpost for Pic. Its outposts did not reopen. In the early 1890's Long Lake operated outposts at Wakeskagamaw and Sesegunogah.

In the early twentieth century HBC competitors established themselves in Long Lake. Révillon Frères operated a post between 1906-1919 and, circa 1918, both Mathe & Duphney and the Great Lake Fur Trading Company were in operation here. In 1921 the Long Lake post was moved beside the CNR. From 1959 to 1987 the business of the post was transferred to the Northern Stores Department. In 1987 the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

Keencogomeg Post
(1811 - unknown),
A North West Co. post.

Wepiscuacaw Lake Posts
(1785 - unknown),
A North West Co. post.

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

Pine Lake Posts
(1809 - 1812 ?),
Pine Lake was established by the HBC in 1809-10 by John Davis as a winter outpost of Henley House. It is uncertain when Pine Lake was closed.

Little (or Small) Pine Lake was established by the HBC in 1810-11 by John Davis as a winter outpost of Henley House. During this time the Hudson's Bay Company was conducting expeditions inland in the Henley District in order to compete with Canadian free traders in the area. As a result, a number of temporary outposts were in operation.

Flint Lake Posts
(1812 - unknown),
A North West Co. post.

A Hudson's Bay Co. post was also located here in 1812, relocated in 1818.

Raw Bone Lake Post
(1810's), Esnagami Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. outpost of Long Lake House.

Cavell Post
(1912/1929 - 1944), Cavell Siding
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover 1932 - 1933), located on the railway line between Aroland and Auden.

Cavell was established in 1912 as an outpost of Long Lake. It operated as such until 1929 when it became a full post. During 1926-1927 a new dwelling house and store were completed. In the fall of 1933 the Cavell store was destroyed by fire and rebuilt the following spring. Cavell closed in November 1944. Its buildings were moved to Long Lake to be used for coal storage.

Big Lake Posts
(1816 - unknown), Fleming Lake
A North West Co. post.

A Hudson's Bay Co. post was also located here in 1816.

Pays Plat Post
(1822 - 1827, 1859 - 1864, 1881 - 1900), near Rossport
A Hudson's Bay Co. outpost at the mouth of the Pays Plat River, just west of town. Also spelled Pais Plat in some records (apparently a mis-spelling (?) of the French term for "flat land"). The HBC established Pays Plat as a winter outpost for Fort William ca. 1822. Beginning in 1777, the site of the post at Pays Plat served as a summer rendezvous point for Canadian traders. Pays Plat was located advantageously between Fort William, Pic, and Nipigon (later called Red Rock). By the beginning of Oufit 1827-1828, Pays Plat was closed. During Outfit 1858-1859, Louis Delaronde, the clerk in charge of Lake Nipigon, recommended a guard post and fishing station be opened at Pays Plat. In 1859, Governor George Simpson granted permission for this, making it an outpost for Pic. During this time, a number of independent opposition traders were also set up at Pays Plat. It is uncertain if it was in operation after 1864. In around 1881, Pays Plat was in operation again, this time as a winter outpost for Red Rock. Pays Plat appears to have closed during Outfit 1899-1900. The Pays Plat First Nation Reserve No. 51 (Pawgwasheeng) was established in 1883. Rossport was originally named McKay's Harbour until 1884.

Fort Camanistigoyan
(1678 - 1759), near Red Rock
A French post located on the east side of the mouth of the Nipigon River, across from Red Rock. Built by Claude (or Charles ?) Greysolon, sieur de la Tourette (brother of Daniel Greysolon, sieur du Lhut). By 1726 (or earlier ?) the fort was renamed Fort Ste. Anne (1), with Pierre Gaultier de Varennes, sieur de La Vérendrye, in charge of the post during 1728 - 1729. Abandoned by 1759.

The North West Co. later built Fort Nipigon (2) here on the east bank of the river in 1785. Taken over by the Hudson's Bay Co. in 1821 and closed.

Red Rock House
(1859 - 1899/1938), Red Rock
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover 1875 - 1933), originally an outpost of Nipigon House (4), with only three small log buildings. Substantially rebuilt in 1872-75 as a permanent post. In 1881, Red Rock became the headquarters of the Michipicoten District, which the Nipigon District acted as an inland sub-district. It functioned as such until 1887, when Chapleau Post became headquarters. It assumed the role of headquarters of the Lake Superior District in 1892. Red Rock operated a number of outposts including Flat Rock (1888 - ?), Pays Plat (1881 - 1895), Poplar Lodge (1891 - ?), Grand Bay (1922 - 1923), and Sand Point (3) (1922 -1930) (Lake Nipigon). Red Rock was replaced by an HBC retail store in Nipigon in 1899 after the arrival of the railroad. The original trade post was burned down in 1902. The Nipigon store operated until 1961, then becoming a Northern Store until 1987.

In the early 1870's, Chief Trader Robert Crawford, believing that Red Rock Post would become the terminus of the Canadian Pacific Railway, set about an ambitious building program. By 1872, he had overseen construction of a wharf 350 feet long by 52 feet wide. Soon followed a farm with house, stable and outbuildings, a stone powder magazine, a men's house, a trade store complex, boat houses, warehouse, machine sheds and a large eight-room officer's living quarters. The living quarters were built in a Gothic Revival style with ornate gingerbread designs under the eaves of the high peaked roof, complete with veranda, attached kitchen, summer kitchen and wood shed. Although Red Rock House did not become the railway terminus, it became increasingly important as a cargo trans-shipment point, with goods shipped by steamboat to be distributed throughout the Lake Nipigon hinterland. Marker located at the Nipigon Marina Office on Brennan Drive, south of 1st Street.

Trade Posts of Lake Nipigon
(various dates), Lake Nipigon
Fort Népigon (1) was a French trade post built in 1684 by Claude (or Charles ?) Greysolon, sieur de la Tourette (brother to Daniel Greysolon, sieur du Lhut), located on the northeastern shore of Lake Nipigon, either on the peninsula at the entrance to Ombabika Bay, or within the bay at the mouth of the Ombabika River. Also known as Fort Tourette, or Fort La Maune. Closed in 1696. Apparently later re-established as it was reportedly an active post in the 1740's. Abandoned by 1759, if not before.

Another French post (Fort Outoulabis) is depicted on some maps of the 1680's to be located at the north end of the lake. This was the same post.

A Hudson's Bay Co. wintering post may have been located on Lake Nipigon as early as 1785, built by James Sutherland; and another in 1790 by Richard Perkin. The HBC built Fort Nipigon (3) in 1792 on the northeastern shore of Lake Nipigon (exact location undetermined) (HBC records cover 1792 - 1941). It was replaced by Wabinosh House in 1821 on the northwestern shore, near or adjacent to the NWCo.'s Fort Duncan, which it also replaced. The post was relocated again in 1850 to the mouth of the Gull River, about 10 miles further south along the western shore of the lake, and was renamed Nipigon House (4). This last Nipigon House community was renamed Gull Bay in 1954. The HBC retail store became a Northern Store in 1959, and was closed in 1972.

The North West Co. built Fort Duncan in 1795 on the northwestern shore of Lake Nipigon at Wabinosh Bay, operated by Duncan Cameron. The NWCo. also built another smaller outpost (unnamed ?) in 1817 on the southwest shore of the lake, near Owl Creek (?). The HBC took over Fort Duncan and closed it in 1821, replacing it with Wabinosh House nearby.

Sand Point (3) (1890 - 1939) was a small HBC outpost located at Sand Point on the southeastern shore of the lake, near Farlinger, north of Rocky Bay. From 1922 to 1930 it was listed as an outpost of Red Rock House.

Poplar Lodge was a small HBC oupost first built in 1825 on the southeastern shore of the lake near the mouth of the Namewinikan River (at Poplar Lodge, west of Beardmore). It was still operating in the 1880's. Other HBC outposts listed during the 1880's and 1890's were located at Wayabimica, Asoiniway, and Cross Lake (locations ?).

Mojikit Lake Post
(unknown dates), near Mojikit Lake
An independent British trade post.

Cockenogamy Lake Post
(1804 - unknown), Kagianagami Lake
A North West Co. post.

The Hudson's Bay Co.'s Kagianagami Post was later located here (HBC records cover 1932 - 1933). Kagianagami was established sometime before 1932 as an outpost of Fort Hope (2). It was likely located south of Fort Hope village on Kagianagami Lake. In 1936 the administration of Kagianagami was transferred to Lansdowne House. The post was closed the next year.

Ogoki Lake Post
(unknown dates), Ogoki Lake
A North West Co. post on the Ogoki River.

Ogoki Post
(1924 - 1940), Ogoki
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records begin 1932) located at the mouth of the Ogoki River on the Albany River.

Martin's Falls House
(1784 - 1799, 1818 - 1924), Marten Falls
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records begin 1794) located on the Albany River, below Gloucester House. Also known as Ernest House.

Martin Falls post, probably named for York Factory's chief factor Humphrey Marten, was established in the summer of 1784. Because Martin Falls was difficult to portage, supplies from Albany were deposited in log tents beside the falls in the early 1780's. The post became an inland emergency supply centre. In 1793 Martin Falls became a valuable supply depot for expeditions into the Albany interior. Cargo was brought from Albany and sent south to Lake Nipigon and southwest to Osnaburgh House and beyond. During this time boats and canoes were built at Martin Falls. Because of the proximity of Osnaburgh House, Martin Falls never functioned as a major centre for trade. Between 1795 and 1796, Martin Falls was called Ernest House, in honour of the King's fifth son. In 1799 Martin Falls was abandoned and its stores moves to Gloucester House. In the spring of 1818 the stores were returned to Martin Falls, which at this time became the principal post of the Martin Falls District, as part of the Albany Inland District. In 1821 it was placed again under the administration of the Albany District. In 1889 it moved from the Southern to Montreal Department, and then fell under the districts of James Bay, and Lake Huron. In 1924 Martin Falls was closed and its operations were moved to Ogoki.

Gloucester House
(Albany River Provincial Park)
(1777 - 1818, 1850's ?), Washi Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Albany River at Upasheway (Washisagaigan) Lake (aka Washi Lake), about 35 miles upstream from Marten Falls. It may have been briefly re-established in the 1850's (?).

Gloucester House, established in 1777, was the furthest inland post in the Albany River area until 1785. In 1777 John Kipling led a party of four men inland from Albany to establish a house at either Eabamet Lake or Macobartan Lake. They settled instead on Upashewa Lake, later known as Gloucester Lake. The post was created as a temporary house, meant to sway Aboriginal hunters away from trade with the Canadians, who had many posts in the area. Gloucester House was named in honour of the brother of King George III. It fell under the administration of the Albany River District from its creation until 1813. In the spring of 1783 Edward Jarvis, chief factor in Albany, ordered Kipling to evacuate Gloucester House since the French had captured a number of coastal factories. Given the circumstances, transporting supplies so far inland to Gloucester House was difficult. Soon after its evacuation, however, Jarvis ordered its re-occupation due to its successful returns. At the end of the 1795-1796 outfit, Gloucester House was once again closed, since the post at Martin Falls had been built, making Gloucester House unnecessary. In 1799 Martin Falls was abandoned and Gloucester House was opened once again to oppose the Canadians on Gloucester Lake.

In 1807 Gloucester House was burned by the HBC in order to salvage nails for Martin Falls post. The HBC resettled on Gloucester Lake in 1811, withdrew that December, only to return once more in the spring of 1812. Gloucester House became part of the Albany Inland district in 1814. The next year it became the headquarters of the Martin Falls District, within the Albany Inland District. In 1816 an outpost was established on Attawapiskat Lake. The HBC abandoned Gloucester House in 1818.

Shewesia Post
(Albany River Provincial Park)
(1771), near Fort Hope
An independent British trade post located on the Albany River.

Iabammet Lake House
(1809 - unknown), Eabamet Lake
A North West Co. post located at the lake's outlet on the west end.

The Hudson's Bay Co. established By Lake Post here in 1810.

Fort Hope (2)
(1890 - 1941/1959), Fort Hope
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records end 1941) on the western end of Eabamet Lake, a few miles north of the old North West Co. post site.

Fort Hope was established around 1890 on Eabamet Lake as part of the Albany River District. An outpost for it was built at Attawapiskat Lake (later known as Lansdowne House) that same year. As of 1914 four more outposts were connected to Fort Hope: Webequie, Snake Falls, Makokibarton, and Beaver House (also known as Big Beaver House/Beaver Lake House). In the 1930's it also operated an outpost at Kagianagami. In 1898 Fort Hope was transferred to the Lake Superior District. Subsequent district shifts were Superior-Huron, James Bay, Northern Ontario, and Northern Ontario II. Beginning in 1959 Fort Hope operated as a Northern Store. It was closed in 1981.

Miminiska Lake Post
(Albany River Provincial Park)
(1785 - 1786), Miminiska Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. winter post on the Albany River, established in the summer of 1785 by John Best to counter the presence of the North West Company at Lake Nipigon. Also known as Memenescua Lake Post. It operated only one season. Replaced by Pashicocoggan Post (Osnaburgh House) in 1786.

Fort Lac à la Carpe
(Albany River Provincial Park)
(1750 - unknown), near Osnaburgh Lake ?
A French trade post on the Albany River.

Osnaburgh House
(Albany River Provincial Park)
(1786 - 1939/1962), Osnaburgh Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post on the Albany River. Rebuilt in 1794. Closed in 1810 after the so-called "Eagle Lake Affair" (September 1809) between the HBC and NWCo. posts at Eagle Lake (1)(2) (see below), re-opened in 1815. Sometimes referred to as Albany House (2).

In 1786 Pashicocoggan Post (2) was established on either Osnaburgh Lake or Pashkokogan Lake (?) (then relocated to Osnaburgh Lake by at least 1794 ?). In the 1790's outposts were established at Red Paint Lake (later called Red Lake), Cat Lake, Sandy Lake (1), and Fly Lake (see also). The Hudson's Bay Company did not plan for Osnaburgh House to be a permanent fur trade post for fear that it would interfere with the trade at Gloucester House. Due to good business, however, the Governor and Committee recommended in 1793 that the post be rebuilt and enlarged.

Beginning in 1804, Osnaburgh House built HBC boats that were sent to York Factory. In 1814 Osnaburgh House became a subdistrict in the Albany Inland District in the Southern Department. After the HBC's amalgamation with the North West Company in 1821 and its subsequent administrative reorganization, Osnaburgh House fell under the Albany River District. That same year, the post was moved to a different site on the lake with a better supply of fish and firewood. In 1822 it was moved back to its old site. Outposts at Moose Lake and Crow Nest Lake were also established at this time. In the twentieth century, Osnaburgh House was administered by a number of different districts: the Lake Superior District (1901-1927), Superior-Huron District (1927-1938), James Bay District (1938-1944), and Northern Ontario District (1944-1981).

In the 1930's the discovery of gold in the nearby Pickle Crow area meant the location of Osnaburgh House lost importance. At the same time, the post began to function as a distribution centre to supply posts to its north. From 1932 to 1947 Pickle Lake served as an outpost. In 1946 the HBC's Air Transport Division started flying supplies out of Osnaburgh House to places such as Cat Lake, Round Lake, Big Beaver House, Lansdowne House, Trout Lake, and Bearskin Lake. The Air Transport Division moved out of Osnaburgh House in 1954 when a provincial highway was built from Savant Lake to Pickle Lake, bi-passing Osnaburgh House by four miles. After this, the post's importance greatly diminished and, as a result, a good portion of its residents moved to Pickle Crow. Osnaburgh House closed in 1962, only to be reopened at a new site the next year under the name New Osnaburgh. The post fell under the administration of the Northern Stores Department from 1959 to 1981, at which time the store was closed. Pickle Crow was abandoned as a townsite after the mine shut down in 1966, and is now a ghost town. A portion of that site was later razed by the government.

Osnaburgh Lake Post
(Albany River Provincial Park)
(unknown dates), Osnaburgh Lake
The North West Co. established a trade post here (or several), relocated/rebuilt at least five times.

Mishicogammi Post
(1760), near Pashkokogan Lake
An independent British trade post.

Pashkokogan Lake Post (1)
(1777 - unknown), Pashkokogan Lake
A North West Co. post.

The HBC was possibly located here in 1786. (see Osnaburgh House above)

Moose Lake Posts
(1809 - 1840's ?), near Lake Savant ?
A Hudson's Bay Co. post. After 1822 it was an outpost of Osnaburgh House. The post was relocated twice in its history.

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

Allanwater Post
(1918 - 1935), Allanwater Bridge
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover 1932 - 1933).

Allanwater was established in 1918 along the Canadian National Railway line near Kawaweogama Lake in Ontario. Initially it acted as a wintering post to compete with opposition traders and to protect inland posts. Allanwater was closed in 1935.

Savant Post
(1918 - 1938), Savant Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records begin 1929). Also known as Bucke Post.

Bucke was established in 1918 along the Canadian National Railway line near the town of Savant Lake, Ontario. Initially it served as a guard post against trade from competition. Beginning in 1935 Bucke administered the fur trade operation of St. Anthony Mine. Bucke was closed in 1938.

Sturgeon Lake Posts
(1779 - unknown), Sturgeon Lake
A North West Co. post, originally located on the southwest shore of the lake near O'Brien's Landing. Relocated in 1809 to the northern shore of the lake at the mouth of the Sturgeon River.

A Hudson's Bay Co. post (1778 - 1837, 1876 - 1909) was originally located on the southwestern shore near the first NWC post. It was relocated in 1779, or possibly later about the time when the NWCo. post moved.

Sturgeon Lake was built in 1778 on the north side of the lake under the administration of the Albany River District in the Southern Department. The next year, it was burnt by the North West Company, which had a post on the opposite side of the lake. In September 1779 Sturgeon Lake was rebuilt as a winter post, supplied and outfitted through Lac Seul. Between 1822 and 1828, Sturgeon Lake was part of the Lake Superior District, then transferred back to the Albany River District. Sturgeon Lake was abandoned in 1837. It was re-established as an outpost of Lac Seul around 1876, as part of the Lac la Pluie District in the Northern Department. Between 1900 and 1909, Sturgeon Lake operated under the Lake Superior District. During this time it was used as a warehouse for Osnaburgh House, with shipments being made after winter freeze-up by dog teams. At some point after 1909 Sturgeon Lake's functions seem to have been transferred to Savanne.

St. Anthony Mines Post
(1937 - 1938), near Sturgeon Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post.

St. Anthony Mine was established in 1935 as an outpost for Bucke. It was located at Sturgeon Lake at the mine site, which had been in operation since 1903. In 1938 after Bucke was closed, St. Anthony Mine operated briefly as a full post. That year, it was closed and its operations transferred to Dinorwic.

Shikag Lake Post
(unknown dates), near Shikag Lake
A North West Co. post.

Savanne Post
(1887 - 1908), near Lac des Mille Lacs
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover 1889 - 1905).

Savanne was established in 1887 along the Canadian Pacific Railroad line in what is now northwestern Ontario, on property leased from the railroad. Savanne did minimal trade and mainly served to protect the trade at Lac Seul and Osnaburgh House from competition. In 1908 Savanne was closed.

Lac des Mille Lacs Post
(1800's), Lac des Mille Lacs
A small North West Co. relay station and provisions storehouse at "Canoe Lake", on the Mountain Portage segment of the Kaministiquia voyageur route, in use after 1802. A subpost of Fort William.

Dog River Post
(unknown dates), Dog Lake
A North West Co. post located on the Dog River at the north end of Dog Lake.

Independent traders were operating on Dog Lake in the 1880's.

Fort William (Historical Park)
(1803 - 1883/1919), Thunder Bay
Fort Kaministiquia (1) was established near here in 1717 by a French officer, Zacharie Robutel, sieur de la Nouë. Also spelled Camenestiguouia (or other variants). First of a projected series of bases en route to the "Western Sea", it replaced an earlier log structure built in 1679/1683 - 1696 by Daniel Greysolon, sieur du Lhut, on another branch of the Kaministiquia River delta (south side of Mission River, about one-half mile up). It served as a trading post and base of operations, 1727-43, for Pierre Gaultier de Varennes, sieur de La Vérendrye, the famous explorer. Following the conquest of New France this fort was abandoned, probably by 1759, and then burned afterwards. Marker at the city hall, 500 Donald Street East.

Fort Kaministiquia (2), built a short distance downriver by the North West Company, was renamed Fort William in 1807. It was a large palisaded enclosure, with defensive log bastions at the corners, surrounding several buildings, houses, and storehouses, workshops, and gardens. It was the regional headquarters of the North West Co., and later the Hudson's Bay Co. (HBC records start in 1817). The NWC post was seized by the HBC in August 1816 after armed clashes between the two companies. The HBC's Point de Meuron Post (1817 - 1821), about 10 miles up the river on the north bank, was initially the site of the 1816 base camp used in the attack on the NWCo.'s Fort William (referenced in the HBCA's Fort William records before 1822). See also The Capture of Fort William historic plaque. The HBC took over full control in 1821 after the merger of the two companies, but by the 1830's trade had significantly declined. The original site of Fort William was obliterated by the Canadian Pacific Railroad, with construction beginning in 1891, forcing the HBC to relocate trading operations. The last original structure was demolished in 1902. A 1914 stone monument is located on the original site at the foot of McTavish Street. Now located about nine miles further upstream, near Point de Meuron, this is a large reconstruction of 42 replica structures and a First Nations living-history encampment. Admission fee. The cities of Fort William and Port Arthur merged in 1970 to form Thunder Bay.

An XY Company post was located close to the NWCo. post in 1802 - 1804.

Fort William, originally known as Kaministiquia, was established by the North West Company (NWC) in 1798 on the Kaministiquia River near present-day Thunder Bay, Ontario. This had been the site of a French fort established in 1717 by Robert de la Nouê. In 1801 Fort William replaced Grand Portage on the Pigeon River as the NWC's inland headquarters and fur trade depot in order to avoid boundary difficulties with American government authories. In 1807 the post was renamed Fort William in honour of William McGillivray, a partner with the NWC.

In 1816 Fort William was occupied by the Hudson's Bay Company. Lord Selkirk, along with some De Meuron soldiers, captured the fort following the battle at Seven Oaks (June 1816) at the Red River Settlement (Manitoba). Selkirk remained at Fort William for nine months, after which it was again operated by the North West Company. After the amalgamation of the HBC and NWC in 1821, Fort William became an HBC post and the headquarters of the Lake Superior District.

Point Meuron was established in 1817 by Thomas Douglas, the Earl of Selkirk. It was located on the opposite side of the Kaministikwia River from Fort William, which at that time was a North West Company post. It functioned mainly as a guard post, to keep an eye on Fort William. In 1821, with the amalgamation of the Hudson's Bay Company and North West Company, Point Meuron was abandoned on Nicholas Garry's orders.

After the amalgamation of the HBC and North West Company in 1821, Fort William became an HBC post the headquarters of the Lake Superior District. It served as a major supply depot on the trans-shipment route between Montréal and Lake Winnipeg. A number of outposts operated to protect the trade at Fort William, since its proximity to the United States border made it a target for American competition. These outposts included Pays Plat (1824-1825), Lac la Fleche (1826-1845), Pigeon River, Lac d'Orignal (1839-1841, 1845-1858), Red Rock (1859-1864), Bois Blanc, Whitefish Lake, and Maligne. During this time, Fort William began focussing more on retail business instead of the fur trade, in order to accommodate business from the United States.

Around 1872 the Montréal Department appears to have divided the Lake Superior District into smaller districts. Between 1872 and 1877, Fort William operated its outposts at Shebandowan, Maligne, Bois Blanc, and Sand Lake (4) as a separate district, which reported to Montréal. The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway on Lake Superior caused a significant change for Fort William. It was closed in 1879 along with its outposts. Four years later, all the buildings at Fort William except the stone powder magazine were dismantled in order to enlarge the CPR's freight yards. However, the HBC still maintained an office at the site. In 1891 the HBC opened a new Fort William saleshop. To keep expenses down, the store was placed directly under the administration of the Commissioner's Office in Winnipeg instead of being administered by a district office. In 1902 the Fort William saleshop became the headquarters of the Lake Superior District. A new site for the store was bought in 1914. Fort William was closed in 1927, with the amalgamation of the Lake Superior and Lake Huron Districts into the Superior-Huron District. The district office staff were transferred to North Bay, Ontario.

Mountain Portage Post
(Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park)
(1805 - unknown), near Kakabeka Falls
A North West Co. portage post located on the Kaministiquia River, upriver from Fort William.

Nearby the Canadian Militia built Kakabeka Falls Redoubt in 1870 during the Red River Rebellion, mostly as a protection against Fenian raiders from the United States.

Lac d'Orignal Post (1)
(1839 - 1859), Moose Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the north shore of Moose Lake.

Lac d'Orignal (1) was founded as a temporary outpost of Fort William to protect trade near the boundary line during the period of opposition from the Cleveland Company between 1839 and 1841. The post was located on the north shore of Moose Lake in the Ontario/Minnesota boundary waters. Between 1843 and 1859 it operated as a wintering post usually under the management of an interpreter and one or two men. In 1854 Lac d'Orignal had temporary outposts at Mamainse and Pigeon River.

Fort Bois Blanc (1) ?
(1750 - unknown), near Basswood Lake
A French trade post. Basswood Lake was also known as Lake Sagaigan, or Lac du Bois Blanc.

North West Co. posts, or independent French-Canadian traders, were later reported here by Alexander Mackenzie (1790's ?). These posts were possibly located within present-day Minnesota.

Bois Blanc Post (2)
(1823 - 1870's), near Basswood Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post.

Fort Lac la Croix
(1740 - unknown), Lac la Croix
A French trade post.

Pine Portage Post
(1881 - 1895 ?), near Sapawe ?
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover 1881 - 1890).

Pine Portage was established by at least 1881 in the Lac La Pluie District. It was located on a portage 60 miles southwest of Savanne. In 1890 Inspecting Officer E.K. Beeston suggested it be abandoned or made into a winter outpost of Savanne. However, Pine Portage appears to have been in operation until at least 1895. It is unclear when it was finally closed.

Fort St. Pierre
(1731 - 1758, 1787 - 1903), Fort Frances
Originally a French fur trade wintering post built by order of Pierre Gaultier de Varennes, sieur de La Vérendrye, located at the southwest end of Rainy Lake, about one-half mile down the Rainy River lake outlet. It was a timber structure having two opposing gates and two bastions. Inside the fifty-pace stockade were two main buildings each of which had two rooms heated by a double fireplace. There was a store room in one of the two bastions and also a powder magazine in the enclosure. An elevated seven-foot walkway (chemin de rounde) went around the interior from bastion to bastion. A double row of pickets 13 feet high surrounded the buildings. Abandoned and then burned in 1758. A 1950's replica of the French post was once located at Pither's Point Park, but was eventually torn down (1990's ?) and no longer exists. Monument located on Calder Drive at Point Park.

The North West Co. later established Fort Lac la Pluie (1) (aka Athabaska House or Rainy Lake House (1)) by 1787 (or earlier ?), on the Rainy River about one mile below Chaudière/Koochiching Falls, and about three miles west down the river from the Rainy Lake outlet and the original French fort. The fort was seized by the HBC in October 1816, but was returned by January 1817. Historic marker on Keating Avenue, south of Riverview Drive (missing ?). The XY Company also established a post here in 1797, rebuilt/relocated in 1800, closed in 1804.

The Hudson's Bay Co. established Lac la Pluie House (2) (aka Asp House (2) or Rainy Lake Post (2)) in 1817 (HBC records begin 1793 with Hungry Hall Post) to compete with the North West Company. It was probably at the site of the earlier 1800 XY Company post. After the two companies merged in 1821, only the HBC post continued in operation. It was a stockaded post, and was located just below Chaudière/Koochiching Falls, and just upstream (about one mile) from the NWCo. post. It was renamed Fort Frances in 1830 after a visit by HBC Governor Sir George Simpson and Lady Frances Simpson. The post traded with local Ojibwa for furs, wild rice, and isinglass (obtained from sturgeon). An important supply depot for expeditions traveling to the West and for early settlers in the district, the original post structures were probably replaced after 1874. Fort Frances became a HBC Store in 1898 and was destroyed by fire in 1903. The Canadian Militia, under Col. Garnet Wolseley, had briefly stayed here in August 1870 on the way to Winnipeg, Manitoba, during the Red River Rebellion. Historic marker located on the south side of 3rd Street West (Highway 11) near Cornwall Avenue (adjacent to 165 3rd Street West). Of interest in town is the (Town of) Fort Frances Museum at 259 Scott Street. See also Fort Frances History from Virtual Museum of Canada

The (Town of) Fort Frances Cemetery was established in 1897, located on King's Highway (Highway 11) on the west side of town. In 1990 the oldest graves were re-interred into a site at the Riverview Cemetery due to the threat of bank erosion. The Lady Frances Columbarium was erected in 1998. Adjacent to the Columbarium is a monument marking the re-interment site of Hudson's Bay Company burials. In October 1984, while constructing a parking lot, the Boise Cascade Paper Company unearthed the remains of men and women from the old post cemetery of the Fort Frances Hudson's Bay Company Post. In 1998 the men and women were laid again to rest, less than a kilometre from their original interment.

French explorer Jacques de Noyon built a wintering post (Noyon's Post) in 1688-89 on the Rainy River near here (probably further west), a historic marker is located at the Rainy Lake Scenic Lookout on the north side of the Noden Causeway (Highway 11), about 6.5 km northeast of town.

The first fortified French post on Rainy Lake/Rainy River was Fort Tekamanigan, built in 1717 by Zacharie Robutel, sieur de la Nouë, but soon abandoned (by 1721 at the latest), probably because of Sioux hostility in the region. According to local tradition this was at or near the site of the later 1817 HBC post.

The Rainy River area had been an important site for various fur trade enterprises since it was an essential link in the transport route between Lake Superior and the West. The HBC had wanted to establish itself there since at least 1777. French traders first established a post there in 1688, and the North West Company arrived by 1787 (possibly earlier). The North West Company post, known as Fort Lac la Pluie (1), acted as a rendezvous point for traders going to and from the Athabasca region. In 1816, following the Battle at Seven Oaks, the NWCo. post was captured by Lord Selkirk's forces, with Donald McPherson put in charge. In the next year authority over this post was returned to the NWCo.. In 1818 McPherson established a new post at the foot of Chaudière Falls. This new post became known as Lac la Pluie House (2). It remained in operation after the 1821 amalgamation of the HBC and NWCo., and the former NWCo. post was abandoned. In 1822 the Lac la Pluie District was created with Lac la Pluie as its first headquarters.

Since the HBC routed its Athabasca trade through York Factory, Lac la Pluie under the HBC did not hold the same importance that it had for the NWCo.. However, it remained active and drew successful business from Aboriginal traders as well as an ever-growing population of European settlers. In 1830 the name of the post was changed to Fort Frances in honour of Lady Frances Simpson, wife of Governor George Simpson, who had stopped at the post that year on an inland journey. Fort Frances was situated along the Dawson Trail, a road and water transport route that ran between Fort William and the Red River Settlement. The trail had been surveyed in 1857-1858, and Fort Frances acted as a supply depot for travellers. In the mid-1880's the trail became defunct after the railway line to Kenora was opened. During Outfit 1897-1898, the administration of Fort Frances was transferred to the Saleshop Department in the Commissioner's Office. In 1903 the store was destroyed by fire. It did not open again.

Manitou Falls Post
(1793 - 1794), near Barwick
Manitou Falls was established by the HBC in 1793 on the Rainy River just below Manitou Falls, in order to oppose and thwart the North West Company's Fort Lac la Pluie (1) located about 12 miles further east (upstream). Founded by John McKay, this was the first Hudson's Bay Company post in the Rainy River area. Located about halfway between present-day Barwick and Emo, on the north bank of the river near Watrous Island. Replaced by Hungry Hall Post (below).

Hungry Hall Post
(1794 - 1797, 1825 - 1834, 1863 - 1893), near Oak Grove
A Hudson's Bay Co. post near the mouth (outlet) of the Rainy River at Lake of the Woods, probably located about three miles up the river near Pointe aux Pins, at Wilson Creek, across from Hackett, Minnesota (HBC records cover 1793 - 1890, includes Manitou Falls). A marker is located at Oak Grove Camp.

River's Mouth Post was first built by the HBC in 1794. A more permanent establishment was built in 1795, known as Lower House or Asp House (1). This location was a known rendezvous point for Athabasca people, and was also the spot where the North West Company procured many of its canoes. In 1797 the HBC post was left unoccupied, at which time it was pillaged and burned by the Canadians.

In 1825 the Hudson's Bay Company re-established itself at the mouth of Rainy River, referring to the post as Hungry Hall. It is believed that the post was called such because of the numerous times that the men of the post came near to starvation. Hungry Hall was again abandoned in 1834. At this time the HBC had made an arrangement with the American Fur Company in which they agreed to abandon all of their posts in the Lac La Pluie area.

Hungry Hall reappears in the records in 1863 as a winter outpost in the Lac La Pluie District. In 1870 the post was renamed Fort Louisa (or Louise), although the name "Hungry Hall" was still used. Between 1885 and 1889 Hungry Hall served as an outpost for Rat Portage. It operated its own outpost at Long Sault in 1890 (upstream on the Rainy River). During the 1890's the HBC posts in the Lac la Pluie area suffered heavy losses in business due to American competition. As a result, Hungry Hall was closed in 1893.

Big Island Post
(1865 - 1880 ?), Big Island
A small Hudson's Bay Co. post on Big Island in Lake of the Woods.

Whitefish Bay Posts
(1824 - 1870's ?), Whitefish Bay
A small Hudson's Bay Co. post.

The North West Co. and the XY Company both had posts here during the winter of 1804-05.

Ash Falls Posts
(1798 - 1799), Ash Bay ?, Lake of the Woods
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Aulneau Peninsula west of Sioux Narrows.

Ash Falls was established in 1798 by John Cobb. It had been Cobb's intention to settle at the mouth of Rainy River, but he instead chose the site next to the falls. The HBC post was erected about 300 feet away from a North West Co. fur trade post. In May 1799 Cobb and his men left Ash Falls for Portage de l'Isle. It is unclear whether or not Ash Falls was in operation after this outfit year.

North West Angle Post
(1860's - 1880's), Angle Inlet, Lake of the Woods
A Hudson's Bay Co. outpost of Rat Portage (Kenora), located near and across from the mouth of Harrison's Creek (in Minnesota), at the northern tip of the Northwest Angle, on the present-day reserve lands of the Northwest Angle Anishinaabe First Nation Reserve #33, across the border from Angle Inlet, Minnesota. The Indian Treaty No. 3 (aka North-West Angle Treaty) was signed here in October 1873 between the Saulteaux Ojibway nations and the British Crown. This was also the Lake of the Woods steamboat landing for the eastern terminus of the land-portion of the Dawson Trail to the Red River settlements in Manitoba. First surveyed beginning in 1858, the crude corduroy road was finally completed in 1871. The completion of the C.P.R. railroad from Kenora to Selkirk (MB) in 1878 ended the usefulness of the trail. The former Canadian community of Angle Inlet has since practically vanished. See also Harrison Creek and the Dawson Trail from Treasures of the Dawson Trail

Shoal Lake Post (2)
(1831 - 1880 ?), Shoal Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post.

The North West Co. had a post here (Shoal Lake House (1)) during the winter of 1804-05. Shoal Lake was then known as Lac Plat.

An XY Company post was also probably located here during the winter of 1804-05.

Rat Portage Post
(1790's/1836 - 1897/1918), Kenora
A North West Co. post was located here on Miller Island (aka Old Fort Island), built sometime after 1790. Taken over by the Hudson's Bay Co. in 1821 and the closed. A new post was rebuilt in 1836. The post then consisted of two long one story houses, a shop, and dwelling.

On Old Fort Island 0.8 km north of town, the Hudson's Bay Company erected a stockaded fur trading post about 1836. This was the first known European structure within the present community. In 1861 the post was moved to the mainland, where it formed the nucleus of the community of Rat Portage (renamed in 1905). Situated on the main canoe route to the West, the post was visited by many people prominent in Canada's history, including Sir George Simpson, Sir John Henry Lefroy, Paul Kane, Captain John Palliser, Simon James Dawson and Colonel Garnet Wolseley. The post (HBC records cover 1849 - 1897), which in its later years became a general store (aka Kenora Post), was closed in 1918. Historic marker located in the parking area of McLeod Park on the north side of Highway 17, at the east end of the first bridge west of downtown.

In 1836 the Hudson's Bay Company established a new post at Rat Portage, probably to replace the recently abandoned Dalles post. It was situated on Old Fort Island at the head of the Winnipeg River at Lake of the Woods. The post was located close to the site of a rough portage 300 yards long, after which the post was named. This portage formed an important part in the trans-shipment route heading west to Lake Winnipeg. In 1861 Rat Portage post was moved to the eastern shore of the Winnipeg River. This site eventually became the centre of the Rat Portage townsite along what is now Main Street.

During Outfit 1879-1880 the headquarters of the Lac La Pluie District was moved from Fort Frances to Rat Portage. In the 1880's Rat Portage operated a number of outposts including Keewatin, Whitefish Bay, North West Angle, White Dog, Wabigoon, Hungry Hall, Shoal Lake (2), Savanne, and Pine Portage. During that time, the population of the Rat Portage townsite increased due to the mining boom and the influx of labourers building the Grand Trunk Pacific and Canadian Pacific Railroads. As a result, a number of stores were established in the townsite. In order to compete, the HBC built a new store and changed its business from fur trade to general trade. In 1881 the HBC bought a competitor's store. This store was destroyed by fire in 1886 and rebuilt the same year. In 1892 the administration of Rat Portage was transferred from the Fur Trade Department to the Saleshops Department.

In 1905 the townsite's name was changed to Kenora. The HBC's mail order building in Kenora was destroyed by fire in 1917. After the completion of the railroads, the population in Kenora decreased. As a result, business in the HBC store dwindled. In the spring of 1918 the Kenora saleshop was closed.

Keewatin Post
(1886 - 1894), Keewatin
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover 1889 - 1891).

In 1886 the Hudson's Bay Company opened a grocery store in the village of Keewatin in order to oppose a general merchant and fur trader in the village. The store and saleshop were operated in a building rented from D.L. Mather and was administered as an outpost from Lac La Pluie. In 1892 following the division of the HBC's trading operations into the Fur Trade and Saleshop Departments, Keewatin was placed in the latter. The store closed in August 1894 and its goods transferred to Rat Portage.

(The) Dalles Posts
(1822 - 1835 ?), near Minaki
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover 1832 - 1834).

A North West Co. post and an XY Company post were also located nearby during the winter of 1804-05.

(The) Dalles was established as an HBC post in 1822 on the Winnipeg River near Whitefish Lake. The North West Company had had a post at the site for some time before that, known as Les Dalles. In 1824 Dalles was abandoned. This left the area vulnerable to American competition intercepting the trade with local Aboriginal hunters. As a result, the HBC established an outpost at Cedar Lake (1824-25) (location ?). Dalles was re-opened in 1826 and took charge of the outpost. Dalles was in operation until at least 1835. Its exact date of abandonment is unclear.

Sandy Point House (1)
(1820 ? - 1821/1860 ?), near Minaki
A small North West Co. post (Sandy Lake House (3)) on Sand Lake that was taken over by the Hudson's Bay Co. in 1821 and renamed.

The HBC operated Sand Lake Post (4) here in the 1860's and 1870's.

Minaki Post
(1924 ? - 1933 ?), Minaki
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover 1932 - 1933).

Minaki was in existence by at least 1924. In the 1920's and 1930's it operated outposts at White Dog and One Man Lake. In 1959 it became a Northern Store. The store was closed in 1977.

White Dog Post
(1856 - 1858, 1876 - 1932 ?), Whitedog
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located at the outlet of Whitedog Lake (HBC records cover 1890 - 1909).

White Dog was established as a winter post in 1856 and operated as such until 1858. It was re-established in 1876 after Eagle Nest (Manitoba) was abandoned. White Dog was supplied from Rat Portage. In the 1890's White Dog administered outposts at Swan Lake (south of Whitedog), Shell Lake (location ?), Grassy Narrows, and Eagle Nest (Manitoba) (see also). In 1924 White Dog became an outpost of Minaki. It closed some time before 1933.

Portage de l'Isle Posts ?
(1789 - 1800's), near Whitedog
A North West Co. post on the Winnipeg River, at the portage to the English River, bypassing Caribou Falls on the English River. Located about 3.5 miles below the Terre Blanche Portage.

A Hudson's Bay Co. post was also located here in 1793 - 1795. It was later re-established and operated into the 1830's.

A small French post may have been located here previously in 1750.

Portage de l'Isle was established by James Sutherland of the Hudson's Bay Company in 1793. It was located on the right bank of the Winnipeg River, above the junction with the English River. The North West Company had had a post in the vicinity of this site since at least 1789, known also as Riviere des Trembles. Portage de l'Isle functioned as a portage post and depot in the Albany River District and the Winnipeg River District. Portage de l'Isle was in existence until at least 1833. The date of its closure has not been determined.

Escabitchewan Posts ?
(1792 - 1824),
A Hudson's Bay Co. post on the English River, north/northeast of Minaki. Possibly relocated in 1796. Also known as Lake Burdingno Post.

A North West Co. post was located nearby (date ?).

A French trade post may have earlier been located here (date ?), according to the "National Atlas of Canada" (1974).

Escabitchewan, first known as Lake Burdingno, began as a wintering site in 1792, established by James Sutherland. In 1795 a house was built known as Wepineban (1), which took over the operations of Red Lake. A new Wepineban House was built in 1796 at Sca-bitchee-wan Falls. In 1807 William Corrigal built a new house near an existing Canadian house on Wepineban Lake. During this time, Escabitchewan fell under the administration of the Albany River District in the Southern Department. A few years later (in 1810) the HBC abandoned the whole country west of Osnaburgh as far as Lake Winnipeg. Escabitchewan, as it came to be known, was re-established in 1815. In 1818 it became the headquarters for the newly-formed Red Lake District. In the autumn of 1821, after the HBC's union with the North West Company, Escabitchewan was closed. It was again opened in 1823 and permanently abandoned after the winter of 1824.

Wipenaban Posts (2)
(1816 - unknown),
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located just north of Escabitchewan Post.

A North West Co. post was located nearby (date ?).

Grassy Narrows Post
(1890 - 1959), Grassy Narrows
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover 1932 - 1941).

Grassy Narrows was in existence by at least 1890, operating as an outpost of White Dog in the Lac la Pluie District. Some time before 1933 it became a full post. In 1959 the administration of Grassy Narrows was transferred to the newly formed Northern Stores Department. It operated as a Hudson's Bay Company Northern Store until 1987 when the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

Fort Vermilion
(no date), Vermilion Bay
A modern-day amusement and recreational centre built to resemble a typical stockaded Hudson's Bay Co. trade post fort. Closed in 1998, re-opened and refurbished in 2002. There was no known actual fort located here.

Clear Water Lake Post
(1860's ?), Teggau Lake
A small Hudson's Bay Co. post located just west of Eagle Lake.

Eagle Lake Post (3)
(1869 - 1881), Eagle Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. outpost (HBC records cover 1892 - 1902, includes Wabigoon Lake Post).

Eagle Lake was established some time around 1869 as a winter outpost in the Lac La Pluie District. In 1877 Eagle Lake served as an outpost of the North West Angle post, and a year later as an outpost of Rat Portage. In 1881 Eagle Lake was moved east to the mouth of the Wabigoon River at Wabigoon Lake.

Wabigoon Lake Post
(1881 - 1902), Wabigoon
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records with Eagle Lake Post (3)), also still known as Eagle Lake Post (3). Also spelled Wabigon in some records.

In 1881 Eagle Lake was moved to the mouth of the Wabigoon River at Wabigoon Lake to be near the Wabigoon post (later known as Dinorwic) in order to be closer to the rail line and quell competition from other stores in the area. Eagle Lake became an outpost of Wabigoon and operated sporadically during the winters. In 1893 the Commissioner's Office ordered Eagle Lake to be closed. However, a local Aboriginal trader named William Oginahgeejik carried on the trade on the Hudson's Bay Company's behalf. This lasted until around 1901. The latest reference to trade at Eagle Lake is May 1903. The community here on Wabigoon Lake was officially named (new) Wabigoon in 1896 when (old) Wabigoon on the railway was renamed Dinorwic.

Dinorwic Post
(1882 - 1940), Dinorwic
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records cover 1888 - 1940).

Dinorwic was founded when the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) was built through the area, and was originally known as (old) Wabigoon. Circa 1881 or 1882, the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) established a fur-trade post along the CPR at the mouth of the Wabigoon River (Wabigoon Post). Around the same time, the Eagle Lake Post (3) was relocated nearby at Wabigoon Lake. But since the Wabigoon Post was situated along the railway, it became more prominent, and until 1884, the clerk at Wabigoon was in charge of both posts. Around 1896 the name Wabigoon was transferred to the new community growing on Wabigoon Lake, and the community here on the railroad was renamed to Dinorwic. Between 1899 and 1901, the HBC post at Dinorwic was relocated one mile west next to the CPR station. It didn't operate between 1933 and 1935, and the Dinorwic post/store closed permanently in December 1965.

Sioux Lookout Post
(1932 - 1933), Sioux Lookout
A Hudson's Bay Co. post.

Hudson Post
(1911 - 1959), Hudson
A Hudson's Bay Co. outpost of Lac Seul Post (HBC records cover 1932 - 1933).

The Hudson's Bay Company established a fur trade outpost and store in Hudson in 1911 or 1912, administered by Lac Seul. In 1915 it became a full post. In 1959 the administration of the Hudson store was transferred to the new Northern Stores Department. In 1964 a new store was built. Hudson continued to operate as a Northern Store until 1987 when the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

Lac Seul Posts
(1789 - unknown), Lac Seul
A North West Co. post.

Several independent British trade posts were also located on the lake (dates ?).

The Hudson's Bay Co. established or relocated several posts around the lake from 1803 - 1941. Last located on the north shore at White Pine Narrows, about three miles west of the Canoe River. After 1919 it was largely replaced by the Pine Ridge post at the western end of the lake.

Lac Seul was established as an HBC post in 1803. The Lac Seul area was first explored by James Sutherland in 1786, sent from Gloucester House by the HBC. Four years later he returned to Lac Seul to establish a post. Sutherland decided, however, against it due to poor fishing and proximity to Osnaburgh House. The post was established in 1803 but, a few years later, the HBC relinquished control of the post to the North West Company. After the amalgamation of the two companies in 1821, the HBC commenced trade once again at Lac Seul. During outfit 1824-1825, an outpost was opened at Cedar Lake (location ?).

In 1867 Lac Seul was transferred to the Lac la Pluie District in the Northern Department. However, until 1869, it was still supplied by Albany and its returns were shipped out via the Southern Department. In ca. 1874 an outpost at Trout Lake (5) was opened. Other outposts of Lac Seul that operated in the late nineteenth century were Opaskung (location ?) and Lake Minnetakie (south of Sioux Lookout). In 1900 Lac Seul came under the administration of the Lake Superior District. Other district transfers were Superior-Huron (1927-1937), James Bay / Central Line (1938-1943), and Northern Ontario (1944-1987). Between 1911 and 1919 it operated outposts at Pine Ridge and Hudson.

In 1948 Lac Seul's HBC store burned and a new one was built. In 1959 the post became a Northern Store under the administration of the Northern Stores department. It remained so until 1987, at which time the Northern Stores were sold to the North West Company.

Pine Ridge Post
(1911 - 1938), near Ear Falls
A Hudson's Bay Co. post at the western end of Lac Seul (HBC records begin 1932).

Pine Ridge was established in 1911 at an outlet on the northwest extremity of Lac Seul called Ku-Chi-Ching. It was built to replace the outpost at She-Ba-Ko-Bah on Pakwash Lake. The cost of freight at this outpost was high, since it could only be serviced by York boat. Thus, Pine Ridge was situated on the less-expensive steamboat route on Lac Seul, which meant it could provide higher prices to Aboriginal traders. Pine Ridge operated as an outpost of Lac Seul, although, for a short while, the HBC referred to it as Mattawa Outpost (3) (see also below). In 1912 the outpost was renamed Pine Ridge by N.M.W.J. MacKenzie, district manager of the Lake Superior District.

In 1919 Pine Ridge attained full post status and was administered directly by the Lake Superior District. At this time Red Lake became its outpost until 1927. During the 1920's Pine Ridge functioned as an important outfitter for prospectors taking part in the Red Lake Gold Rush. In 1926 the town of Pine Ridge opened a post office. Because there was already a post office by the name of "Pine Ridge" in Manitoba, the post office became known as Goldpines. This was soleley for mailing purposes, though, and the name "Pine Ridge" remained in use by the Hudson's Bay Company post. In the latter half of the 1920's Pine Ridge operated an outpost at Woman Lake (east of Trout Lake, and northwest of South Bay at Confederation Lake). At the end of the summer of 1938 Pine Ridge was closed. In September of that year, the HBC sold the store and former manager's residence to Ronald Nichols.

Fort Mattawa (2)
(1872 - 1911/1923), Pakwash Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. outpost of Lac Seul Post, located near the junction of the English and Mattawa Rivers, on the north side of the outlet of Pakwash Lake.

Trout Lake Posts (3) (5)
(unknown dates), Trout Lake
A North West Co. post was originally located here (date ?).

A Hudson's Bay Co. post, possibly a relocation from an earlier site near the NWC post, was located on the southeast shore by 1860, and operated well into the 1870's (or later) as an outpost of Lac Seul Post.

Red Lake Posts
(1786 ? - 1821), Red Lake
A North West Co. post at the north end of the lake, relocated in 1789. Originally known as Red Paint Lake Post.

In 1790 the Hudson's Bay Company set up a trading post on Red Lake (formerly Red Paint Lake) in order to compete more effectively with the North West Company that had been trading in the area for several years. Closed, reopened, and relocated numerous times (one location was at "Post Narrows" on the east end of the lake (1920's)), the post was finally located in the town of Red Lake in 1933 (HBC records end 1933). Historic marker located in front of the municipal offices at 117 Howey Street (Highway 618), north of Goldshore Road.

Gammon River Posts
(Woodland Caribou Provincial Park)
(unknown dates), near Gammon Lake ?
A North West Co. post and a Hudson's Bay Co. post were located along the Gammon River, west of Red Lake.

Bad Lake Posts
(Woodland Caribou Provincial Park)
(1792 - unknown),
A Hudson's Bay Co. post, probably located on the Bloodvein River. Apparently relocated later in 1805 to the Manitoba side of the border (see also).

A North West Co. post was also located here in 1792.

Duck Lake Post (1)
(1798 - 1799),
A Hudson's Bay Co. post, probably located northwest of Trout Lake.

Duck Lake was established in 1798 by John Linklater, who had travelled there from Fly Lake up the Albany River. The modern name and location of this Duck Lake is unknown. At the end of May 1799 Linklater left the post, returning to Osnaburgh. Although trade had been successful that winter and was easily accessible by water routes, Duck Lake was not maintained after the 1798-1799 outfit year.

A new Duck Lake Post (2) was later re-established as an outpost of Deer Lake Post (2) during the 1920's. It is uncertain if this was the same lake.

Fly Lake Posts
(1785 - 1798/1810),
A Hudson's Bay Co. post, relocated or rebuilt in 1794.

A North West Co. post was also located here in 1795.

Fly Lake was established as an outpost of Osnaburgh House in 1795, taking over the trade business from the abandoned Cat Lake outpost. Fly Lake was located in the Lake Sanderson area. It seems to have closed around 1810.

Crow Nest Lake Posts
(1783 - unknown),
A Hudson's Bay Co. post. After 1822 it was an outpost of Osnaburgh House.

A North West Co. post was located nearby in 1786.

An independent British trade post was also located here (date ?).

Gull's Lake Posts
(1815 - unknown),
A North West Co. post.

A Hudson's Bay Co. post was located nearby (1815).

Cat Lake Posts
(1786 - 1821), Cat Lake
A North West Co. post (Cat Lake House), relocated in 1815 to the west end of the lake.

An independent British trade post was also located here in 1788.

A Hudson's Bay Co. post was located on the south shore of the lake, about 1.5 miles east of the NWCo. post, from 1788 - 1941, closed several times, and relocated/rebuilt in 1822, and again in 1881.

Cat Lake was established in the fall of 1788 by John Best, master of Osnaburgh House. It was built in order to compete with a nearby freetrader's house. Cat Lake served as an outpost for Osnaburgh House in the Albany River District. In 1795 Cat Lake was closed and an outpost at Fly Lake took its place. In 1822 Cat Lake was re-established. Two years later it was abandoned again. In 1825 the Council of the Southern Department approved the re-establishment of the outpost, although this does not appear to have come to fruition. Cat Lake was once again re-established in ca. 1881. In 1925 Cat Lake attained store status. Beginning in 1959 Cat Lake functioned as a Northern Store, administered by the Northern Stores Department. In 1987 the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

Attawapiskat Lake Posts (1) (2)
(Otoskwin - Attawapiskat River Provincial Park)
(1811 - 1820), near Lansdowne House
A North West Co. post was first located here.

A Hudson's Bay Co. post was located nearby in 1814 - 1815, and briefly re-established in 1820-21. The exact locations of these posts are not known. Attawapiskat Lake was established as a wintering outpost for Albany in 1814 by George Budge. That year William Thomas, the manager for the Albany Inland District, made his winter residence at Attawapiskat Lake. He also erected a watch house, in order to keep watch on a Canadian fur trade house also on the lake. In 1816 Attawapiskat Lake was made an outpost of Gloucester House. It was abandoned in 1817 and reopened in 1820, only to be abandoned again a year later.

An independent free trader also operated a post here at one time (date ?), as noted on a 1912 map.

Lansdowne House
(1890/1928 - 1940), Lansdowne House
A Hudson's Bay Co. post on a peninsula on the south shore of Attawapiskat Lake (HBC records begin 1932). Originally a wintering subpost of Fort Hope (2) (about 50 miles south), it was known as Attawapiskat Lake Post (3) until rebuilt in 1928 as a permanent post and renamed. The last HBC store here closed in 1987. The site was then razed by the government in the 1990's. The Attawapiskat First Nations community of Neskantaga that replaced it is now located on the north shore of the lake.

In 1890 Attawapiskat Lake was reopened as an outpost of Fort Hope (2), in order to draw business away from free traders on Eabamet Lake. In 1927 its name was changed to Lansdowne House and it gained full post status. Lansdowne House operated as a Northern Store after the formation of that department in 1959. It continued to operate as such as of 1987, when the department was sold to Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later the North West Company).

Winisk Lake Posts
(1810's), near Winisk Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (Fort Weenisk) located at the north end of Winisk Lake (aka Pepesquew Lake). Built before 1820.

A North West Co. post (Pepesquew Fort) (date ?) was adjacent to the HBC post.

Webequie Post
(1914 - 1964), Winisk Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post established as an outpost of Fort Hope (2) sometime around 1914. In 1942 it became an outpost of Lansdowne House. Webequie attained full post status in 1964, and operated as a Northern Store. It remained under the administration of the Northern Stores Department until 1987, at which time the stores were sold to Hudson's Bay Northern stores (later the North West Company).

Winisk River Post
(1832 ?/1833 - 1834), Wapikopa Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Winisk River at Wapikopa Lake. Also known as Fort Wapikopa or Fort Concord. Possibly still operated until at least 1857 or later.

Badger River House
(1819 - unknown), near Summer Beaver ?
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Winisk River.

Paint Lake Post
(1779 - unknown), near Wunnummin Lake ?
A North West Co. post located on the Winisk River.

Vermilion Lake Post
(1814 - unknown), near Wunnummin Lake ?
A North West Co. post located on or near the Pipestone River, near (?) the HBC's Beaver Lake House.

Beaver Lake House
(1808 - 1814), near Misamikwash Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Pipestone River. Possibly still operated until at least 1857 or later as an outpost of Fort Wapikopa.

Beaver Lake was established some time either in autumn 1808 or spring 1809 as an outpost of Big Trout Lake in the Severn District. It was established to pick up trade left by an abandoned outpost on Lake Sanderson operated by the Albany River District. It was abandoned in 1814.

Located here (or nearby) later was the HBC's Big Beaver House (or Beaver House) (1911 - 1948), an outpost of (Big) Trout Lake (2) (HBC records cover only 1939).

Big Beaver House was established in 1911 by William King Oman as an outpost for Big Trout Lake. It was located at the mouth of the Wunnimun River on Big Beaver Lake. In 1945 Big Beaver House became a full post. Three years later a store and warehouse were built. From at least 1957 to 1965 it operated an outpost at Wunnimun Lake. Big Beaver House was closed in 1965 and its business moved to Wunnimun Lake.

Weeneshaw Lake Posts
(1814 - unknown), near Shibogama Lake ?
A North West Co. post located on the Asheweig River.

A Hudson's Bay Co. post was located nearby in 1815.

Pekangekum Post
(1920 - 1959), Pikangikum
A Hudson's Bay Co. post on the Berens River (HBC records cover only 1939).

Pikangikum was established in around 1920 as an outpost of Little Grand Rapids (Manitoba). It was located on Pikangikum Lake in Northwestern Ontario. In 1946 Pikangikum became a full post. In 1959 the administration of the post was transferred to the Northern Stores Department. Pikangikum operated as a Northern Store until 1987 when the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

Sandy Point Lake Post (2)
(1860 - 1880 ?), near Poplar Hill ?
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Berens River.

Sandy Narrows Post
(1800 - 1814, 1833 - 1834, 1864 - 1871), near Cairns Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post on the Berens River (HBC records cover 1807 - 1810). Also known as Lake Saunders Post or Poplar Lake Post.

A North West Co. post was also located nearby (1807 ?).

Sandy Narrows was established in 1807 in the Lake Sanderson area near Cairns Lake. It operated as an outpost of Osnaburgh House in the Albany River District until around 1814, when it most likely closed. It reopened in around 1833 as an outpost of Berens River (Manitoba) in the Norway House District. In October 1834 Sandy Narrows was pillaged by Aboriginal hunters from Lac Seul. As a result, the outpost was abandoned and its stores removed to Berens River. Sandy Narrows reopened in 1864 as a post in the Norway House District. It was likely closed around 1871.

Eagle Lake Posts (1) (2)
(1794 - 1812), Moar Lake
A North West Co. post located at Eagle Lake (now Moar Lake) on the Berens River system, near the Manitoba border.

Eagle Lake (2) was established by the Hudson's Bay Company in September 1805, about 50 yards from the NWCo. post that was already established. It was located on Eagle Lake, now known as Moar Lake, on the upper reaches of the Berens River. In May 1806 the post was abandoned. It was in operation again in 1809. That year (September 1809) Eagle Lake was the scene of a confrontation between the Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company (the "Eagle Lake Affair"), in which Aeneas Macdonell, a North West Company clerk, was shot and killed, and two HBC employees were seriously injured. Another HBC employee, John Mowat, was later caught and brought to Montréal (Québec) for trial. He was sentenced to six months in prison, and was also branded on one hand. The HBC's Eagle Lake post was closed in 1810.

Deer Lake Posts (1) (2)
(unknown dates), near Deer Lake
A North West Co. post was originally located here (date ?).

A Hudson's Bay Co. post was later located here (HBC records cover 1929 - 1941).

Deer Lake (2) was established by the HBC by at least 1906 in a bay behind Treaty Point on Deer Lake. It was an outpost of Little Grand Rapids (Manitoba) until 1914 when it became a full post in the Keewatin District. In the 1920's Deer Lake operated outposts at Sandy Lake and Duck Lake (2).

In 1927 the HBC considered moving Deer Lake's business north to Favourable Lake in order to profit from local mining ventures. Instead, it opened an outpost on Favourable Lake which was administered by Deer Lake. In 1937 the business at Deer Lake was moved to the post at Sandy Lake and the amalgamated post was renamed Deer Lake (3). In 1945 the Sandy Lake site retained its former name of Sandy Lake. The former Deer Lake post site was in operation once again in 1947 under the name Deer Lake. It served as an outpost for Sandy Lake for Outfit 1947-1948 before becoming a full post in the Manitoba District. In September 1955 Deer Lake closed.

Windy Lake Post
(1802 - unknown),
A Hudson's Bay Co. post located on the Severn River below Deer Lake.

Sandy Lake Posts (1) (2)
(1798 - 1801, 1820 - 1823, 1894 - 1959), near Sandy Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post on the Severn River.

A North West Co. post was also located nearby in 1798, relocated in 1819.

Sandy Lake was first established in 1798 as an outpost of Osnaburgh House. The location of this first post is in dispute and was either on Lake Sanderson or present-day Sandybeach Lake. By at least 1820, Sandy Lake's location had moved to 90 miles south-southeast from the post at Island Lake (Manitoba).

Sandy Lake was administered by the Island Lake District from 1820-1823, after which the post was abandoned. It reopened in 1894 as an outpost of Island Lake post. Sandy Lake became a full post in 1914. In 1920 Sandy Lake became an outpost of Deer Lake (2). This lasted until 1937, at which point the business at Deer Lake was transferred to Sandy Lake. The amalgamated post was renamed Deer Lake (3) although it retained the administrative functions of Sandy Lake. It remained such until 1945, when the post was renamed back to Sandy Lake. The former Deer Lake post was reopened at its old site in 1947. In 1959 Sandy Lake became a Northern Store. It remained as such until 1987, when the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

Sachigo Lake Post
(unknown dates), near Sachigo Lake
A North West Co. post located on the south shore of Sachigo Lake.

An HBC store was later here in the 1950's.

Bearskin Lake Post
(1933 - 1959), Bearskin Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. outpost of Big Trout Lake (HBC records cover 1937 - 1941).

Bearskin Lake was established some time before 1933 as an outpost of Trout Lake. In 1935 it became a full post. Bearskin Lake operated an outpost at Sachigo Lake during the 1950's. Bearskin Lake operated as a Northern Store after their establishment in 1959. It remained so until 1987 when the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

Severn Lake Posts
(Severn River Provincial Park)
(1772, 1793 - 1870), Severn Lake
An independent British trade post was originally located here.

A North West Co. post (Severn Lake House) was established here in 1793, at the lake's outlet on the northeast end. Taken over by the HBC in 1821 and operated until 1870.

Trout Lake Posts (1) (2)
(1807 - 1941), Big Trout Lake
A Hudson's Bay Co. post originally located on the western shore of Big Trout Lake, relocated in 1850 to Fort Island on the northen shore of the lake at or near Kitchenuhmaykoosib. Also known as Beaver Lodge Post until 1814.

A North West Co. post was located on the southern or western shore of the lake in 1793 (to ?).

Trout Lake was established in July 1807 by James Swain as a means to expand trade inland from Severn. It was located on an island in Big Trout Lake and was also known as Beaver Lodge in its early years. In the spring of 1827 Trout Lake was abandoned. It was re-established that winter, only to be abandoned for good in spring 1828. In 1844 Trout Lake reopened as an outpost of Severn. By 1889 it operated an outpost at Wire Lake and, in the twentieth century, had outposts at Bearskin Lake, Big Beaver House, and Round Lake. In 1959 the functions of Trout Lake were transferred to the Northern Stores Department. It operated as a store until 1987 when the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

The HBC had another small outpost on or near Big Trout Lake in 1894.

Wire Lake Post
(Fawn River Provincial Park)
(1889 - 1890/1918), near Wapekeka ?
A Hudson's Bay Co. outpost, located on the Fawn River ?.

Wire Lake was established around 1889 as an outpost for Big Trout Lake. It was in existence until at least 1918.

Weenusk Post
(1901 - 1940), near Peawanuck
A Hudson's Bay Co. post (HBC records begin 1903) at or near the mouth of the Winisk River.

The HBC first occupied an establishment at Weenusk in either 1873 or 1880. It was located on the mouth of the Weenusk River at James Bay and served as an outpost for Severn. It was occupied sporadically until 1901 when it became a permanent outpost. In 1907 Weenusk became a full post. In 1922 a new store was built and in the next few years had repairs made at the various buildings. During Outfit 1926-1927 the buildings were flooded and the post lost the fox farm which it had been operating. During the 1950's Weenusk operated the Weenusk Commissary, as well as a camp trade outpost at Cape Henrietta Maria. These operations were closed in 1954. That same year the post changed its name to Winisk to reflect changes per the Geographic Board of Canada. In July 1975 Winisk was closed.

Fort Severn
(1685 - 1689, 1691 - 1714, 1759 - 1941), Fort Severn
A Hudson's Bay Co. post, originally known as Fort James, on the north (or west) side of the mouth of the Severn River on the Hudson Bay. It was a log fort with four bastions. Also known as Severn Post. Attacked by the French in October 1689, but was burned by the English to prevent its capture, then abandoned.

In 1691 the French constructed a new fort, known as Fort Ste. Thérèse or Fort Neuve-Savane, on the south or east side of the river's mouth. This fort was captured by the English in 1693, then retaken by the French in 1694. The French rebuilt/relocated the fort in 1701-02, still on the south or east bank. Restored to Britain by the Treaty of Utrecht (September 1714), but the fort was left abandoned and not re-occupied.

In 1759 the HBC returned and constructed a new post on the north or west bank at its present site (HBC records begin 1759), about three miles below the original 1685 site.

Severn was established in 1685 by Samuel Missenden on the instructions of Governor George Geyer at Port Nelson (later York Factory). Severn was located at the mouth of the Severn River on James Bay. First known as New Severn or Churchill Fort, it was built as a measure of security against French occupation. In 1690 the HBC's Governor Thomas Walsh burned down Severn to prevent its capture after learning that French forces under Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville were making advances towards it.

In 1759 Severn was re-established three miles below its former site. In its early years, it was a key transport post since it was situated in the middle of the vast expanse between York Factory and Albany. Severn was administered by the York Factory district and transported furs by sloop to the factory. By the 1780's however, Severn's success began to wane. Canadian traders had established a post on the river as well and stole most of Severn's trade business.

In 1814 the Severn District was established with Severn as its headquarters. In 1827 diminishing returns led the Northern Department council to suggest the temporary abandonment of Severn along with the other posts in the Severn District. It was recommended to re-establish the district in three years. This was a strategic move to try to recruit local Aboriginal hunters to trade at York Factory instead of Osnaburgh House or Norway House so that they would be obliged to trade with Severn once it was re-established. In 1828 Severn was destroyed by fire and abandoned. In 1831 Severn was re-established in the York Factory District; Severn District was not re-opened. Severn operated continuously as a fur trade post into the twentieth century. In 1959 it became a Northern Store with the creation of that department. It operated as such until 1987 when the stores were sold to the Hudson's Bay Northern Stores (later called North West Company).

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

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