Fort La Reine facts for kids
| Established | 1738 |
|---|---|
| Location | Portage la Prairie Manitoba Canada |
| Type | historic site |
Fort La Reine was an important fort built in 1738. It was part of a big plan to explore and expand into western Canada. The fort was built by Pierre Gaultier de Varennes et de La Vérendrye. He was a French explorer and military leader.
Fort La Reine was located on the Assiniboine River. This is where Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, stands today. The fort was a busy place for trading animal furs. It was also a starting point for many exciting journeys. Explorers left from here to discover new lands. They traveled to places like Lake Manitoba and the Saskatchewan River.
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Exploring the West
The La Vérendrye family played a key role in exploring western Canada. Louis-Joseph Gaultier de La Vérendrye was the youngest son of Pierre. He led many trips from Fort La Reine. He also helped build other forts in what is now Manitoba. These forts included Fort Dauphin, Fort Bourbon, and Fort Paskoya.
In 1743, Fort La Reine was the starting point for another big journey. Explorers traveled along the upper Missouri River. They went as far as the Yellowstone River.
Where Was the Fort?
Fort La Reine was built near a "portage." A portage is a place where people carry boats and goods over land. This portage connected the Assiniboine River to Lake Manitoba.
Pierre La Vérendrye chose the fort's location in October 1738. Some historians believe the fort was first built a bit east of Portage la Prairie. It might have moved to its current location the next summer.
Fort La Reine was a base for many important trips. Pierre La Vérendrye traveled from here to visit the Mandans. The Mandans were a Native American tribe in North Dakota. This trip happened between October 1738 and January 1739.
Later, in 1742-43, the fort was the base for the Verendrye Brothers' journey to the Rocky Mountains. Over time, it became clear that the best route to the far west was not through the Assiniboine or Missouri rivers. French explorers then focused on the Saskatchewan River.
First Priest in the West
The first priest to travel this far west arrived at Fort La Reine in 1743. His name was Claude-Godefroy Coquart. He was a Jesuit priest.
A National Historic Site
The original Fort La Reine was left by the French in 1752. Some old stories say the Assiniboines later burned it down.
In 1925, the site of Fort La Reine was recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada. This means it is a very important place in Canadian history.
Fort La Reine Museum
Today, there is a museum in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, named after the original fort. The museum has a replica, or copy, of Fort La Reine. It also has many other buildings. These buildings show the local history from the time of La Vérendrye to today.
The Fort La Reine Museum works with several groups. These include the CMA, the CHIN, and the Virtual Museum of Canada.
