Alexander Roderick McLeod facts for kids

Alexander Roderick McLeod (born around 1782 – died June 11, 1840) was an important fur trader and explorer in British North America. He started his career with the North West Company in 1802.

McLeod later became a trader and a leader of a "brigade" (a group of fur traders and their supplies) for the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC). This happened after the North West Company joined with the HBC in 1821. The HBC was led by Sir George Simpson. McLeod played a big part in making the HBC stronger in the Pacific Northwest. He also helped with George Back's expedition to the Arctic. McLeod was key in setting up the Siskiyou Trail, a route between Fort Vancouver and the Sacramento Valley in California.

Exploring New Lands

Based at Fort Vancouver, McLeod explored the Umpqua and Rogue rivers between 1826 and 1828. In July 1828, he was getting his brigade ready for another trip. At that time, an American explorer named Jedediah Smith arrived at Fort Vancouver. Smith had faced a dangerous event where many of his companions were lost in Oregon.

The head manager, called a Chief Factor, John McLoughlin, asked McLeod's brigade to help. This group included a skilled tracker and interpreter named Michel Laframboise. They went back with Smith to the Umpqua River. Their goal was to look for any survivors and try to get back Smith's horses, furs, and supplies. They managed to get back much of Smith's gear, including his own journal and another one from Harrison Rodgers. Sadly, fifteen of Smith's nineteen men had been lost. Smith's maps were very helpful to McLeod for his later explorations into northern California.

A Key Employee

Alexander McLeod was sometimes seen as someone who did things his own way by the HBC. However, he was a very important employee. He worked for the company in many different places and situations. He hoped to become a Chief Factor, a high-ranking position, but he was not chosen for it. His daughter, Sarah, married John Ballenden, who did become a Chief Factor with the company.

Places Named After McLeod

Several places are named after Alexander McLeod. McLeod Lake in Stockton, California is one example. The McCloud River is also named in his honor.

See also

In Spanish: Alexander Roderick McLeod para niños