A "some what overlooked" but important segment of HBC's activities ( both the Fur Trade & Agri. ) is being "Reconstructed" by volunteers in SW OR. - FT. Umpqua.
Here is the basic org.s site ( Note a LOT more work has been completed, more later ) -http://www.elktoncommunityeducationcenter.org/fortumpqua.html
Although the Fort was not erected until 1836, the area played an earlier & important Part in the history of this region.
1. In the early 1800s ( about 1812 till the "merger") NWC Trappers/Traders were very active.
2. HBC continued, after the "merger" (including Ogden etc.)
3. The Americans, Jedediah Smith tried His "Luck"in 1828.
Here was the result = In the Oregon Country, Smith' s party fell into conflict over a stolen ax with the Umpqua people near the Umpqua River. Smith's party had threatened to execute the man they accused of stealing the ax. Later, Smith's group was attacked and fifteen of Smith's nineteen men were killed. Smith managed to reach the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) post at Fort Vancouver, where he received aid. ( HBC sent a small group to "bury the dead & reclaim Smith's goods, which they did. :shock:
Here are some Pics of the Ft. as of Sept. 2010 ( quite a fantastic Fantastic amount of development in 4 years. )
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Puffer