York Factory Express: “Falling Down the Columbia”
In this section of the York Factory Express journals, I am going to continue with John Work’s journal of 1823. Remember, please, that he was coming into the territory before…
Read moreTo Moose Portage, Beaver River
Two groups of canoe-men traveled west from York Factory, on their way to New Caledonia. Both groups have arrived at Ile-a-la Crosse, and their next major hurdle is the Methye…
Read moreSnowshoeing
The HBC’s “Rupertsland” was a land of winter, and for the HBC men snow-shoes were essential. At some point in their lives, every man who worked for the HBC (and…
Read moreCharlot Birnie
It will shock the descendants of James and Charlot Birnie to know this: that on James Birnie’s return to the Columbia district in 1826 with the incoming York Factory Express,…
Read moreThe York Factory Express, Introduction
Welcome to the York Factory Express, and its many stories of Scottish traders and Métis voyageurs and others who travelled across the continent in the Express boats. This is my…
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