Fort Ellice facts for kids

Fort Ellice was an important trading post run by the Hudson's Bay Company. A trading post was like a store and meeting place where people traded goods, often furs, for other supplies. Fort Ellice was open for many years, from 1794 to 1892.

The fort was first built on the Qu'Appelle River. Later, in 1817, it was rebuilt on the south bank of the Assiniboine River. A newer, bigger fort was built nearby in 1862. In 1873, Fort Ellice became the main office for the Swan River District, taking over from Fort Pelly. Today, you can find the fort's location in west-central Manitoba, Canada, close to the border with Saskatchewan.

What Was Fort Ellice?

Fort Ellice was a very important place in early Canadian history. It served as a key stop for travelers and traders. The fort was a busy hub for the Hudson's Bay Company, which was a powerful fur trading business.

A Busy Trading Post

The Hudson's Bay Company built Fort Ellice to help with their fur trade. People would bring furs, like beaver pelts, to the fort. In return, they would get things like tools, blankets, and food. This trade was very important for both the Indigenous peoples and the European traders.

A Stop on the Carlton Trail

Fort Ellice was a major stopping point on the Carlton Trail. This was a very long and important trail that stretched from the Red River Colony (near modern-day Winnipeg) all the way to Fort Edmonton. The part of the trail from Upper Fort Garry to Fort Ellice was even known as the Fort Ellice Trail. Travelers, traders, and settlers used this trail to move across the prairies.

In 1862, the Hudson's Bay Company built a more detailed fort. However, its time as a major trading center was short. In 1870, the Company gave up control of a huge area called Rupert's Land to the new Canadian government. This change meant the fort's main purpose as a trading hub began to fade.

The Fort's New Role

Fort Ellice played another important part in history. In 1874, it became a starting point for some of the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP). The NWMP was Canada's early police force, and they rode west from Fort Dufferin to bring law and order to the areas that would become Alberta and Saskatchewan. Fort Ellice continued to be used as an NWMP post starting in 1875.

How Did Fort Ellice Get Its Name?

The fort was named after Edward Ellice, Sr.. He was a British merchant and an important investor in the Hudson's Bay Company. Fort Ellice also gave its name to other places. The Rural Municipality of Ellice in Manitoba is named after the fort. Even a major road in Winnipeg, Ellice Avenue, got its name from this historic site.

Fort Ellice Today

Today, the land where both Fort Ellice structures once stood is protected. The Nature Conservancy of Canada owns and manages the property. This helps to preserve the history and natural beauty of the area for future generations.