Grand Portage in Cook County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Voyageurs at Grand Portage
Photographed By Connor Olson, September 5, 2019
1. Voyageurs at Grand Portage Marker
Montreal canoemen were hired to paddle to Grand Portage. Once there, each man had to carry several 90-pounds (41-kg) bundles of trade goods and supplies up the Grand Portage to Fort Charlotte, where the bundles were repacked for canoe brigades headed to 120 interior posts. The Northmen were hired to trade for furs. Each summer, they brought them back to Grand Portage, where they received their wages and signed a new contract. Rather than pay Northmen in cash, the North West Company preferred to give them credits to buy things at the company store. While the Montrealers might be at Grand Portage for several weeks, the Northmen stayed only a few days. The rendezvous was the liveliest time of year, full of "gambling, feasting, dancing, drinking & fighting," according to one observer of the time.Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 47° 57.705′ N, 89° 41.11′ W. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. North West Company Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); A Warehouse for Furs, Trade Goods, and Now—Canoes (within shouting distance of this marker); The Birchbark Canoe (within shouting distance of this marker); The North West Company (within shouting distance of this marker); North West Company Fur Press (within shouting distance of this marker); Guard the Gate (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Grand Portage (about 400 feet away); Naming This Place (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Portage.
Photographed By Connor Olson, September 5, 2019
2. Voyageurs at Grand Portage Marker
Recreated Voyageurs Camp
Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2020, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 123 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 18, 2020, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
