Fort George & Buckingham House (near Elk Point).
Well......we had a spare Sunday and not wanting to waste it, thought we do some exploring locally.
Fort George & Buckingham House were outposts of rival fur trading companies, the Nth West Company built "Forts", the Hudson Bay Company built "Houses".....usually near each other, so they both had a piece of the action & could keep an eye on each other. The outposts were usually built on high ground, above rivers, for ease of transportation, by canoe in warmer weather, dog sled when the river was frozen.
It also gave the occupants a better view of who was coming!?! Each fort or house were home to clerks, traders, labourers & their families.
In 1821 the two companies amalgamated & operated under the name of the Hudson Bay Company.
Hamming it up at the entrance.....
View of the Nth Saskatchewan River........
The remains of these two buildings are on the North Saskatchewan River, about half hours drive from our place. Although there were no actual buildings left standing, we had a personal guided tour (being the only ones there!)....the young guy being really knowledgable of the history. He pointed out the layout of the fort & house ~ where the officers quarters would have been, stores, working mens lodgings etc.... We had to use our imaginations, but ......it was a beautiful day & well worth the visit!! |