Fort Douglas (Canada) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Douglas |
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| Winnipeg, Manitoba | |
Red River summer view in 1822 with Fort Douglas in the background by Peter Rindisbacher
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| Type | Fort |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | Thomas Douglas, 5th Earl of Selkirk, Hudson's Bay Company |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1813-1815 |
| In use | 1814-1826 |
| Battles/wars | Pemmican War Battle of Seven Oaks |
| Official name: Forts Rouge, Garry, and Gibraltar National Historic Site of Canada | |
| Designated: | 1924 |
Fort Douglas was an important fort built a long time ago near where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet. This area is now the city of Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada. It was the main fort for the Red River Colony, also known as the Selkirk Settlement. It was also the first fort in this area connected to the Hudson's Bay Company.
The fort was named after Thomas Douglas, 5th Earl of Selkirk. He was the person who started the Selkirk Settlement. Settlers from Scotland and Ireland began building the fort in 1813. It was finished in 1815. Fort Douglas was built very close to another fort called Fort Gibraltar, which belonged to the North West Company.
Contents
What Was Fort Douglas?
Fort Douglas was a strong building used for protection and trade. It was a key place for the early settlers of the Red River Colony. The fort helped protect the new community. It also served as a center for the Hudson's Bay Company's activities in the area.
Building the Fort
Building Fort Douglas was a big job for the early settlers. They started construction in 1813. By 1815, the fort was ready. It was built to help the Selkirk Settlement grow and stay safe. The fort stood near the Red River, which was an important travel route.
A Time of Conflict
The early 1800s were a time of competition between two big fur trading companies. These were the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) and the North West Company (NWC). Both companies wanted control over the fur trade. This led to many disagreements and even battles. Fort Douglas was right in the middle of this conflict.
The Battle of Seven Oaks
One major event was the Battle of Seven Oaks in 1816. During this battle, the fort was taken over. It was captured by the Métis people and workers from the North West Company. The Métis were a group of people with mixed Indigenous and European heritage. They often worked with the North West Company.
However, the fort was soon taken back by Lord Selkirk's men. After this, there was a short time of peace. Lord Selkirk himself stayed at Fort Douglas in the summer of 1817.
Life After the Conflicts
After the main conflicts, Fort Douglas became a trading post. It was also the home of the Governor of Assiniboia. Assiniboia was the name for the area around the Red River Settlement.
In 1821, the Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company joined together. This meant they were no longer rivals. After this, the Hudson's Bay Company moved its main operations. They moved to the old North West Company fort, Fort Gibraltar. Fort Gibraltar was then renamed Fort Garry.
Fort Douglas continued to be the home of the Governor of Assiniboia for a few more years. But in 1826, a huge flood on the Red River badly damaged the fort. Most of it was destroyed. Another flood in 1852 washed away any remaining parts of the fort.
Fort Douglas Today
Today, you can find the site of Fort Douglas in downtown Winnipeg. It is located on Waterfront Drive, in Fort Douglas Park. This area is part of Winnipeg's historic Exchange District.
The site of Fort Douglas is very important for understanding the history of Winnipeg. It was the heart of the Selkirk Settlement. It was also one of the first major buildings in what is now a busy city. A famous Canadian historian, Professor Chester Martin, said in 1924 that the site of Fort Douglas was "perhaps the most historic site in the prairie provinces." This shows how important it is to Canadian history.
