Peter Fidler facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Peter Fidler
Plaque to Peter Fidler erected in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan
Born	(1769-08-16)16 August 1769 Bolsover, Derbyshire, England
Died	17 December 1822(1822-12-17) (aged 53) Fort Dauphin, Manitoba
Occupation	Explorer and Map Maker
Spouse(s)	Mary (Methwewin) Fidler
Children	Thomas (1795), Charles (1798), George (1800), Sally (1802), Decusroggan (1824 - died at 24 days), Andrew (1806), Alban (1809), Mary (1811), Faith (1813 - died at 6 weeks), Clement (1814), Colette (1817), Margaret (1819 - died at 1 month), Peter (1820), Harriett (1822)
Parent(s)	James and Mary Fidler

Peter Fidler (born August 16, 1769 – died December 17, 1822) was an important British explorer and map-maker. He worked for the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) for many years in what is now Canada.

Fidler was born in Bolsover, England. He later died in Fort Dauphin, which is in modern-day Manitoba. He married a Cree woman named Mary (Methwewin) Mackagonne. They had 14 children together.

Peter Fidler's Adventures

Peter Fidler started working for the Hudson's Bay Company in 1788. He began as a labourer at London and then moved to York Factory in Canada. He quickly showed he was good at his job.

Within his first year, he was promoted to a clerk. He was sent to places like Manchester House and South Branch House in what is now Saskatchewan.

Learning to Map the Land

In 1790, Fidler moved to Cumberland House. Here, he got special training in surveying and astronomy. These skills are very important for making accurate maps. His teacher was Philip Turnor, who also taught another famous explorer, David Thompson.

Fidler got a great chance to learn when David Thompson broke his leg. This meant Thompson couldn't go on an exploration trip. So, Fidler joined Turnor on a big journey to the west. This trip lasted from 1790 to 1792.

They were trying to find a water route to Lake Athabaska and Great Slave Lake. The goal was to find a way to the Pacific Ocean. They didn't find the river route their company hoped for. However, Fidler collected lots of information. This data helped him create some of the first maps of these areas.

Peter Fidler's map of the Swan River and Upper Assiniboine River, 1795. This map shows his skill!

Mapping New Areas

In 1795, the Hudson's Bay Company sent Fidler on another mapping mission. This time, he was to map the area west of Lake Winnipegosis. He helped set up new trading posts like Swan River House and Marlborough House. He also helped build Carlton House on the Assiniboine River.

The next year, Fidler moved to Buckingham House to continue his surveying work. He was always busy exploring and drawing maps.

Building Trading Posts

Peter Fidler was also in charge of setting up many trading posts for the Hudson's Bay Company. These posts were important places for fur trading.

Here are some of the posts he established:

• Bolsover House (near Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan) in 1797.
• Greenwich House at Lac la Biche in 1799.
• Chesterfield House in 1800.
• Nottingham House in 1802.

While at Chesterfield House, Fidler learned a lot from the Blackfoot Confederacy people. He collected valuable information and maps about their lands. Two maps were even drawn by a Blackfoot leader named Ackomokki.

Challenges and Changes

Life as a fur trader and explorer was not always easy. In 1806, Fidler faced problems at Nottingham House. A rival company, the North West Company, caused trouble. Their leader, Samuel Black, harassed Fidler and his men. Eventually, Fidler had to leave Nottingham House with his team.

Later, from 1814 to 1819, Fidler was a manager at Brandon House. This was a challenging time. The post was attacked by a group of men. These same men were later involved in a famous event called the Battle of Seven Oaks.

Remembering Peter Fidler

Peter Fidler's work was very important for understanding the geography of Canada. Many places are named after him to honor his contributions.

• Fidler Point on Lake Athabasca is named for him.
• There is a large carved monument to Fidler in Elk Point, Alberta.
• A monument to his legacy stands in Fort Dauphin, created by the Manitoba Land Surveyors.
• In his hometown of Bolsover, England, there is a nature reserve with a monument dedicated to him.

See also

In Spanish: Peter Fidler para niños