Fort Collinson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fort Collinson
Fort Brabant
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 Fort Collinson
Location in Northwest Territories
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| Country | Canada |
| Territory | Northwest Territories |
| Region | Inuvik |
| Built | 1928 |
| Closed | 1939 |
| Founded by | Hudson's Bay Company |
| Named for | Richard Collinson |
Fort Collinson was a special kind of shop and meeting place called a trading post. It was run by the Hudson's Bay Company, a very old and famous Canadian company. This post was located on Victoria Island in the Northwest Territories, Canada.
Imagine a remote spot far up north! Fort Collinson was built on the Prince Albert Peninsula. This area is on the north side of Walker Bay, just north of Minto Inlet. It was a key spot for trade in the Arctic for a while.
What Was Fort Collinson?
Fort Collinson was more than just a building. It was a place where people, especially Inuit families, could trade animal furs for goods they needed. These goods included things like tools, traps, food, and clothing. The Hudson's Bay Company built these posts across Canada. They helped connect remote communities with supplies from the south.
A New Home for Trade
The trading post we know as Fort Collinson wasn't always in the same spot. It actually started in a different location. Before 1928, the post was at a place called Alaervik. This was on the north side of Prince Albert Sound.
In 1928, the Hudson's Bay Company decided to move the post. They chose the new spot on Prince Albert Peninsula. This new location became known as Fort Collinson. It was also sometimes called Fort Brabant.
Who Was It Named After?
Fort Collinson was named to honor a brave explorer. His name was Sir Richard Collinson. He was an English naval officer. Sir Richard Collinson explored the Arctic region many years before the fort was built. He helped map out parts of the Canadian Arctic.
The Fort's Closing
Fort Collinson operated for about 11 years. It was an important center for trade during that time. However, in 1939, the Hudson's Bay Company decided to close this particular post.
The trading activities were moved to another location. This new place was Holman, which is now called Ulukhaktok. So, Fort Collinson stopped being an active trading post. Today, it is considered a historic site. It reminds us of the history of trade and exploration in Canada's Arctic.
