explore fort vancouver
George Simpson
As the governor of HBC, Simpson was instrumental in the decision to build Fort Vancouver and regularly visited the fort during his administrative tours.
Sir George Simpson, the astute and enterprising Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), played a pivotal role in the development of Fort Vancouver in the Pacific Northwest, despite never being stationed there permanently.
At The Fort
Born in Scotland in 1786, Simpson's administrative prowess led him to be appointed as the Governor of HBC's Northern Department in 1820. Under his leadership, HBC underwent significant restructuring, merging with the North West Company in 1821 to monopolize the fur trade in British North America.
Recognizing the economic potential of the Pacific Northwest, Simpson directed the establishment of Fort Vancouver in 1824 as HBC's regional headquarters. Strategically located on the north bank of the Columbia River, the fort was designed to facilitate trade, strengthen relations with local indigenous populations, and counter American expansionist ambitions.
While Simpson was primarily based in Canada, he made several visits to Fort Vancouver. These visits were part of his exhaustive administrative tours, where he assessed HBC's operations, enforced company policies, and built relationships with local indigenous tribes. Simpson's decisive leadership and hands-on approach helped ensure Fort Vancouver's success as a bustling hub of commerce and cultural exchange.
Simpson's policies and decisions, particularly regarding the establishment and operation of Fort Vancouver, had far-reaching consequences. They facilitated the HBC's domination of the fur trade in the Pacific Northwest, influencing the region's economic and social landscapes. Moreover, they set the stage for the later discussions and disputes regarding the ownership of the Oregon Country between Britain and the United States.
Sir George Simpson passed away in 1860, but his legacy, especially his impact on Fort Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest, endures. As a central figure in the history of the fur trade, Simpson's contributions to the development of the Pacific Northwest remain a crucial part of the region's historical narrative.
The Hudsons's Bay Company
Founded in 1670, the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) is one of the oldest existing corporations in the world. Originally established by English merchants under a royal charter from King Charles II, HBC initially focused on the fur trade, operating an extensive network of trading posts across North America. The vast area over which they traded and conducted operations, known as Rupert's Land, comprised much of what is now Canada.
Key Events At The Fort
Establishment by the Hudson's Bay Company (1824): Fort Vancouver was established by the British Hudson's Bay Company as a fur trading post and the administrative center of the company's Columbia Department. Its location along the Columbia River made it a strategic hub for the lucrative fur trade and a center for agricultural production.
People At The Fort
Fort Vancouver in Vancouver, Washington, has a rich history and served as a key location for many influential individuals throughout its existence. Including dr. John McLaughlin, James Douglas, George Simpson, Peter Skene Ogden, Major John S. Hatheway, Ulysses S. Grant, General O. O. Howard, and Geroge C. Marshall.