David Thompson

[Puffer]

David Thompson is considered by Many (esp. the Canadians) to be one of the Greatest Explorers, Map  Maker
during the Fur Trade (esp.the NW) ------ Example He explored & mapped th e Entire Columpia River from it's headwaters in British Columbia Can. to Vancouver WA (1,240 miles) He explored & mapped the Athascca Pass {a high mountain pass in the Canadian Rockies
(His maps & info was quickly used later by the Brits as a transcontinental trail rte.)
{Note during the short 5 years he spent in the NW, He built the 1sr fur trade houses in the Inland NW for the NWC (example = Spokane House)}
For more info on the Man I suggest starting -  http://www.northwestjournal.ca/V1.htm
then below pictured Book

[Puffer]

But since the "start" of my studies of David Thompson, I have been "drawn" to the role His wife played in His Life. As a result, She has become ( to me ) a person, we need to include in our "important" people of the Fur Trade.

Charlotte Thomson nee Small was a Cree/Metis Lady. Although in DT's "diaries, He only mentions Her a few times, the references give us an insight to just how "stalwart a person She was. ( think resupplying Him, over a snow filled pass in the Rockies with Her kids in tow.( 5 years to a suckling )Note She had another companion = the wife of Jacques Raphael (Jacko) Finlay, Metis (1768-1828) & Her kids ( no Men mentioned in the party.
This site gives a glimpse - http://www.experiencemountainparks.com/charlotte-small-woman-of-historic-significance/

[doggoner]

A couple of great reads. As I have had little or no exposure to the history of the Northwest, this was a good intro. Thank you for sharing.

doggoner

[Puffer]

Doggoner -

The major portion of the {BEAVER}Fur Trapping (1800 - 1840s (?) era occurred in NW (primarily what is now US- WA,OR,ID,MT,WY,(+ the w, coast of AK)  &  Can. - BC, AB, & SK (southern  part )
The Major players were the Fur Companies & the 2 who were  Dominate = The NORTH WEST CO. (NWC) & The HUDSON BAY CO> (HBC) the in July 1821 the NWC became a part of the HBC !!! {recommend the Book -- The Great Northwest Fur Trade (an easy read & LOTs of Pics & info.
BTW - I am a "Co. Man" { the NWC, HBC, + the short lived PFC (Astor's Pacific Fur Co.) were headed by SCOTs )
Feel free to PM me if you have ??

[Uncle Russ]

Good informative post, Jack

Keep up the good work!

 

[Oldetexian]

Another excellent post and chain. Really appreciate the enlightenment on the entire NW area. You now have me interested. I want to know more...
Thanks!