Thunder Bay in Thunder Bay District, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Capture of Fort William
Photographed by Kevin Craft, July 10, 2017
1. The Capture of Fort William Marker
In 1812, the Earl of Selkirk settled dispossessed Scottish highlanders on Red River valley lands granted by the Hudson's Bay Company. The HBC's rival in the fur trade, the North West Company, feared the new colony would block its trade and supplies. Clashes between traders and colonists culminated with the killing of twenty settlers in the Massacre of Seven Oaks on June 19, 1816. News of Seven Oaks reached Selkirk as he was travelling westward with Swiss mercenaries hired to defend the colony. On August 13, he seized Fort William, the Nor'Westers' inland headquarters, and arrested several senior partners. A bitter court battle ensued. The incident contributed to the British government's decision to pressure the two fur trade companies to merge in 1821.
Erected by Ontario Heritage Foundation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Events • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 19, 1816.
Location. 48° 23.165′ N, 89° 14.785′ W. Marker is in Thunder Bay, Ontario, in Thunder Bay District. It is at the intersection of Leith Street and Brodie Street North, on the right
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Ontario and specifically in Northwest Ontario. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, in the Great North Woods, on Lake Superiors North Shore, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 425 Donald Street East (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Fort Kaministiquia 1717 (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); William McGillivray (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); City Hall (approx. half a kilometer away); 10-Mile Road Race (approx. half a kilometer away); Thunder Bay Public Library (approx. half a kilometer away); The Western Route of the C.P.R. (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); Fort William (approx. 1.2 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Thunder Bay.
Photographed by Kevin Craft, July 10, 2017
2. Wideview of The Capture of Fort William Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 9, 2017. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2017, by Kevin Craft of Bedford, Quebec. This page has been viewed 535 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 9, 2017, by Kevin Craft of Bedford, Quebec.
