Fort de la Corne facts for kids
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| Established | 1753 |
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| Location | Canada |
| Official name: Fort à la Corne National Historic Site of Canada | |
| Designated: | 1926 |
Fort de la Corne was an important French fort built a long time ago in what is now Canada. It was one of the first French forts on the Saskatchewan River. This fort played a big part in the fur trade, helping France collect valuable furs. It was also a base for explorers looking for a way to the Pacific Ocean.
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Building Fort de la Corne
Fort de la Corne was built in 1753. It was named after Louis de la Corne, Chevalier de la Corne. He was a French commander and explorer. The fort was first called Fort St. Louis. It was also known by other names like Fort des Prairies and Fort à la Corne.
Why the Fort Was Built
The French built Fort de la Corne for a few main reasons:
- Fur Trade: It was a trading post where French traders could get furs from Indigenous peoples. These furs were very valuable in Europe.
- Competition: The fort helped the French compete with the English. The English were also trying to get furs from the same areas.
- Exploration: It was a base for explorers. They hoped to find a water route through the Saskatchewan River to the Pacific Ocean.
The fort was located near the Saskatchewan River Forks. This was a good spot for trade and travel. The fort was closed in 1759 when New France fell to the British.
Later Forts and Trails
The area around Fort de la Corne remained important for trade. Many years later, other trading companies built posts nearby.
New Trading Posts
- In 1775, a group called the "Pedlars" built a post.
- In 1795, the North West Company built their own Fort St. Louis.
- In 1796, the Hudson's Bay Company built its first Carleton House.
- In 1846, the Hudson's Bay Company built another Fort St. Louis.
The Carlton Trail
This later Fort St. Louis became connected to the Carlton Trail. The Carlton Trail was a major route for travel and trade. A special path called the Fort à la Corne Trail linked the fort to this main trail.
Fort de la Corne Today
Today, the area where the old forts stood is protected. It is surrounded by the Fort à la Corne Provincial Forest.
National Historic Site
The site of Fort de la Corne was recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1926. This means it's an important place in Canadian history. The James Smith First Nation community is also located nearby.
Diamond Discoveries
In the 2000s, people started looking for diamonds in the area. This region is known as the Fort à la Corne kimberlite field. Kimberlite is a type of rock that can contain diamonds.
- Companies like De Beers and ShoreGold explored for diamonds.
- Later, Rio Tinto and Star Diamond Corporation continued the work.
- In 2021, they announced they found many commercial-grade diamonds. It is still being decided if a large diamond mine will be built there.
