Fort Gibraltar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Gibraltar |
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| Winnipeg, Manitoba | |
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The fort where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet in 1821, painted by Peter Rindisbacher
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| Type | Fort |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | North West Company |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1809 |
| In use | 1809-1821 |
| Battles/wars | Pemmican War Battle of Seven Oaks |
| Official name: Forts Rouge, Garry, and Gibraltar National Historic Site of Canada | |
| Designated: | 1924 |
Fort Gibraltar was an important fur-trading post built in 1809. It was located in what is now Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The fort stood where the Red River and Assiniboine River meet, an area known today as The Forks. It was built by the North West Company, a big fur-trading business. Later, in 1821, Fort Gibraltar was renamed Fort Garry. It became Upper Fort Garry in 1835.
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History of Fort Gibraltar
In the early 1800s, fur trading was a huge business in Western Canada. Two main companies were in a fierce competition. One was the Hudson's Bay Company, based in London, England. The other was the North West Company, based in Montreal.
The Hudson's Bay Company had a very English style. The North West Company, however, was a mix of French, Scottish, and First Nations cultures. Its traders, called voyageurs, moved around a lot. They often set up temporary camps where Winnipeg is now.
Building the Forts
In 1809, the North West Company built Fort Gibraltar. About half a mile north, the Hudson's Bay Company and settlers built Fort Douglas. This fort was started in 1813 and finished in 1815.
There were many fights between the two companies. The Hudson's Bay Company employees were mostly Scottish. The North West Company employees were mainly French-Canadians and Métis. These conflicts were part of what was called the Pemmican War.
Capture and Rebuilding
On March 17, 1816, Robert Semple, the new Governor of the Red River Colony, captured and destroyed Fort Gibraltar. However, British authorities later said this action was against the law.
So, in 1817, the North West Company was allowed to rebuild the fort.
Merger and New Name
On March 26, 1821, the North West Company joined with its rival, the Hudson's Bay Company. The combined company kept the name Hudson's Bay Company. Fort Gibraltar continued to operate under this new company.
In 1822, Fort Gibraltar was renamed Fort Garry. After a big flood in 1826 destroyed it, the fort was rebuilt in 1835. It was then called Upper Fort Garry.
National Historic Site
The area where Fort Gibraltar once stood became a National Historic Site in 1924. It is part of the "Forts Rouge, Garry, and Gibraltar National Historic Site of Canada".
Timeline of Fort Gibraltar
- 1809: The North West Company builds Fort Gibraltar.
- 1816: Fort Gibraltar is captured and destroyed by the Red River Colony.
- 1817: Fort Gibraltar is rebuilt by the North West Company.
- 1821: The North West Company merges with Hudson's Bay Company. Fort Gibraltar continues under the new company.
- 1822: Fort Gibraltar is renamed Fort Garry.
- 1835: Fort Garry is rebuilt after being destroyed by the 1826 flood. It is renamed Upper Fort Garry.
Fort Gibraltar Museum
Today, you can visit a reconstructed Fort Gibraltar in Whittier Park. It is located in St. Boniface, Winnipeg. This new fort was built in the late 1970s. It is used for the Festival du Voyageur, which is the biggest winter festival in Western Canada.
In the summer, the museum offers living history demonstrations. You can see what life was like in a fur trading post around 1815. The Fort Gibraltar Museum is at 866 St Joseph Street.
