explore fort vancouver
Peter Skene Ogden
An explorer and fur trader for the HBC, Ogden conducted numerous expeditions into the Western United States, often basing his operations out of Fort Vancouver.
Peter Skene Ogden, an integral figure in the early history of the Pacific Northwest, was a seasoned explorer and fur trader who spent a significant portion of his career operating out of Fort Vancouver for the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC).
At The Fort
Born in 1790 into a loyalist family in Quebec, Canada, Ogden joined the North West Company in his teens, and when it merged with the HBC in 1821, he continued his service with the newly consolidated entity. Ogden's expertise as a fur trapper and his rapport with local indigenous populations made him an invaluable asset to the company.
In 1824, Fort Vancouver was established as the headquarters of the HBC's Columbia Department. From this strategic location, Ogden led several major expeditions into the interior of the Western United States, with the goal of trapping beavers and solidifying HBC's control over the lucrative fur trade.
Notably, from 1824 to 1830, Ogden undertook a series of arduous expeditions, known as the "Snake Country Expeditions," venturing into present-day Nevada, Oregon, and California. These expeditions not only brought back substantial profits from fur trapping but also pushed back against American incursion into the region.
Throughout his service at Fort Vancouver, Ogden demonstrated remarkable resilience, diplomatic finesse, and an in-depth understanding of the complex interplay between trade, territory, and indigenous relations. His contributions significantly strengthened the HBC's presence in the region and aided in the broader exploration and mapping of the Western United States.
After retiring from active trapping in 1835, Ogden served as a Chief Trader and later Chief Factor at HBC, often basing his operations at Fort Vancouver. He passed away in 1854 in Oregon City.
Peter Skene Ogden's indomitable spirit and enduring contributions to the exploration and trade of the Pacific Northwest make him an iconic figure in the history of Fort Vancouver and the broader region. His adventurous life is emblematic of the wild, untamed, and often contested frontier that was the Pacific Northwest in the early 19th century.
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.