John Healy (entrepreneur) facts for kids

John Healy, photograph in Outing (1907)

John J. Healy (1840-1908) was a smart and adventurous businessman from America. He was born in Ireland but became an American citizen. John Healy started many new businesses in the late 1800s. His work took him across a huge area, from Montana in the United States to Alberta and British Columbia in Canada, and even up to Alaska and Yukon.

Early Business Adventures

John Healy began his business journey in Montana. In 1869, he teamed up with Alfred B. Hamilton. Together, they set up a trading post near where the city of Lethbridge, Alberta is today. This first post was named after Hamilton.

Soon after, they built a second, much larger trading post nearby. This famous post was called Fort Whoop-Up. It became a very important place for trading goods in the region.

In 1876, John Healy sold Fort Whoop-Up to another businessman named Dave Akers.

New Roles and Northern Journeys

After selling the fort, John Healy took on different jobs. He worked as the sheriff of Chouteau County in Montana. He also became a newspaper editor and continued to be a businessman in Fort Benton, Montana.

Later, John Healy moved north to Alaska. He opened another trading post in a place called Dyea. This was a busy area, especially during the Klondike Gold Rush. People were rushing to find gold!

Healy then moved to the Yukon Territory in Canada. There, he started a transportation company. This company helped people and supplies move around during the exciting time of the Gold Rush.

John Healy passed away in 1908. He was known as a rich and famous man. He was buried in Seattle, Washington.

His Lasting Legacy

John Healy's adventurous spirit and business efforts are remembered today. Two places are named after him:

• Healy, Alaska is a town in Alaska.
• Healy Pass is a beautiful mountain pass in the Alberta Rockies in Canada.