Old Fort Providence facts for kids

Old Fort Providence was an important place for fur trading in Canada's Northwest Territories. It was one of the very first trading posts built near the mouth of Yellowknife Bay, right on the shores of Great Slave Lake.

Old Fort Providence: A Key Trading Spot

Old Fort Providence was a small but important outpost. It helped support bigger fur trading activities in the area.

The Start of Fur Trading

In 1786, a fur trader named Peter Pond had an idea. He worked for the North West Company. He thought it would be a good idea to trade with the Dene people living around Great Slave Lake.

Just a few years later, in 1789, Alexander Mackenzie started this trade. He was a famous explorer and fur trader. Mackenzie began trading with the Yellowknives and Tłı̨chǫ Dene. He told his helper, Laurent Leroux, to build a trading post in the area. This post became Old Fort Providence.

What Was Its Purpose?

Old Fort Providence was not the biggest fur trading spot. Instead, it was mostly a supply center. Think of it like a storage and resupply base. It provided food and other items for larger trading posts and expeditions.

For example, in 1820, Sir John Franklin used it. His Coppermine expedition was heading towards the Arctic Ocean. Old Fort Providence was a key place for his team to get supplies.

The fort was also in a great spot for fishing. The Dene people had fished in Yellowknife Bay for many years. This meant the fort could easily get fresh meat and fish. This food helped feed the traders working around Great Slave Lake.

The End of the Fort

In 1821, a big change happened. The North West Company closed down. The Hudson's Bay Company then took over Old Fort Providence.

However, the trading post was already becoming less important. It closed just two years later, in 1823. The buildings of Old Fort Providence have long since fallen apart. But in 1969 and 1971, people dug up the area. They found the ruins and learned more about this historic site.