Fort Bourbon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Bourbon |
|
|---|---|
| at Grand Rapids, Manitoba where the Saskatchewan River enters Lake Winnipeg | |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | France |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1741 |
| In use | 1741-1758 |
Fort Bourbon was an important fort built a long time ago in what is now Manitoba, Canada. It was built by a French explorer named La Vérendrye. He built many forts to help with the fur trade and to explore new lands. La Vérendrye also hoped to find a way to a western sea.
Interestingly, another fort called York Factory was also sometimes called Fort Bourbon when the French took it over.
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Fort Bourbon: A Fur Trade Outpost
Why Was Fort Bourbon Built?
Fort Bourbon was part of a plan to expand French trade and exploration. La Vérendrye wanted to move west from Lake Superior. The fort helped support the important fur trade in the area. It also served as a base for explorers. They were looking for new routes and a possible western sea.
The First Fort Bourbon
The first Fort Bourbon was built near Grand Rapids. This was where the Saskatchewan River flows into Lake Winnipeg.
Exploring the Area
In 1737, La Vérendrye's youngest son, Louis-Joseph Gaultier de La Vérendrye, explored this region. His first trip faced challenges because of a widespread sickness.
In 1740, Louis-Joseph had a more successful journey. He explored the Saskatchewan River. He went a short distance past Cedar Lake. He also mapped the spot for the first Fort Paskoya. This fort was at the west end of Cedar Lake.
On his way back to Lake Winnipeg, he mapped the area carefully. He chose the location for the first Fort Bourbon. The map from 1740 showed a spot between Grand Rapids and Lake Winnipeg. It was on the northern shore of the Saskatchewan River. In 1741, the elder La Vérendrye sent a group of men to build the fort.
The Second Fort Bourbon
At some point, Fort Bourbon was moved. It was likely moved upstream, closer to Cedar Lake. This new spot was probably the same as the first Fort Paskoya.
In 1758, the French left the western forts during the Seven Years' War. This war is also known as the French and Indian War. Fort Bourbon was attacked and robbed. Then it was burned down. Later, in 1777, a trading company called Todd & McGill set up a post nearby.
