History of Fort Simpson

Fort Simpson is the oldest continuously inhabited settlement on the Mackenzie River, located on an island at the picturesque confluence of two great northern rivers. The history of this place is inextricably linked to the era of northern exploration and the fur trade, which shaped the region's character.

Foundation and First Mentions

The city's history began in 1803 when the North West Company established a trading post here, originally named "Fort of the Forks" due to its location at the river junction. Later, in 1821, following the merger with the Hudson's Bay Company, the settlement was renamed in honour of George Simpson, the company's governor.

Key Development Factors

The city's development was defined by several important circumstances that made it a strategic centre of the region, which is today part of the nation of Canada:

• Geographic Location: Its position at the confluence of the Liard and Mackenzie rivers ensured the fort's role as a key transport hub. Waterways served as the main "highways" for traders and explorers.
• Fur Trade: The city quickly became a vital centre for the collection and transport of furs, attracting traders and hunters from all surrounding territories.
• Administrative Status: For a long time, the settlement served as the regional headquarters of the Hudson's Bay Company, which contributed to the concentration of economic power here.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The local Indigenous Dene people call this place Liidlii Kue, which translates as "the place where rivers come together." From the very beginning of the fort's existence, there was an active cultural exchange between European traders and the Indigenous population. The early economy depended entirely on seasonal cycles of hunting and river navigation, and the fort itself served not only as a trading point but also as a venue for diplomatic meetings and supplying expeditions venturing further north.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1803: The North West Company founded the "Fort of the Forks" trading post at the site of the future settlement of Fort Simpson.
• 1821: After the merger of the trading companies, the factory was rebuilt and officially renamed in honour of Governor George Simpson.
• 1858: The first permanent Catholic mission was established in the region, playing an important role in education and medicine.
• 1921: The historic signing of Treaty 11 took place between the Indigenous Dene peoples and the Government of Canada.
• 1936: McPherson House was built, which today stands as one of the oldest surviving buildings and an architectural monument.
• 1969: The settlement was awarded the honorary status of a National Historic Site for its role in the development of the West.
• 1970: Construction of a section of the Mackenzie Highway was completed, ensuring year-round road connection with the outside world.
• 1973: Fort Simpson officially received Village status, becoming the only settlement of this type in the entire territory.
• 1984: A highly anticipated visit by Pope John Paul II was cancelled at the last moment due to heavy fog.
• 1987: Pope John Paul II returned and held a solemn mass on the riverbank, fulfilling his promise.
• 2021: The town celebrated the 100th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 11, hosting the original document for a temporary exhibition.

Milestones of Development and Transformation

The evolution of the settlement of Fort Simpson from a remote trading post to a modern administrative centre reflects the key stages of Northern development. Each of these events became a turning point, significantly changing the economic structure, infrastructure, or cultural life of the community within the nation of Canada.

• Establishment of Trade Monopoly (Early 19th Century). The rise of the fort as the headquarters of the Hudson's Bay Company in the Mackenzie District turned it into a "northern metropolis." This provided the settlement with economic stability and a constant flow of goods, making it the region's main logistics hub for a whole century.
• Introduction of Northern Agriculture (Mid-19th Century). The arrival of missionaries brought not only education but also agrarian innovations. Cultivating gardens and growing potatoes proved the possibility of self-sufficiency in a harsh climate, which contributed to the transition of part of the population to a more settled lifestyle.
• Aviation Breakthrough (1920s). The appearance of the first aircraft ("bush planes") radically changed transport accessibility. The town became an important base for refuelling and expeditions, which accelerated the exploration of natural resources and communication with the "mainland," reducing dependence on seasonal river navigation.
• Construction of the Mackenzie Highway (1970). The completion of the road was an urban planning revolution that ended land isolation. Year-round access to Alberta's road network reduced the cost of shipping goods, stimulated trade, and opened the region to auto tourists.
• Acquisition of Municipal Status (1973). Receiving the official status of a Village gave local residents the right to self-government. This allowed them to independently plan the budget, develop communal infrastructure, and improve the territory considering the interests of the community.
• Visit of the Pope (1987). The arrival of John Paul II had colossal cultural significance. This event not only strengthened spiritual ties but also attracted the attention of world media to the small northern settlement, laying the foundation for the development of event and pilgrimage tourism.

The architectural appearance of the settlement of Fort Simpson was formed under the influence of the harsh climate, the availability of natural materials, and its historical role as the main trading post on the Mackenzie River. The urban structure of the village is linear and stretches along the bank, reflecting the importance of the water artery in the life of the local community.

The Fur Trade Era and Wooden Architecture

The early development of the settlement, relating to the period of the Hudson's Bay Company's dominance, is represented by examples of traditional northern construction. In conditions of isolation, the architecture was exclusively utilitarian in nature, yet distinguished by skilled woodwork.

• Style: Vernacular architecture, log structures.
• Features: Use of the "piece-sur-piece" technique (horizontal laying of timber into the grooves of vertical posts), which allowed buildings to withstand ground shifts in permafrost conditions.
• Landmark Building: McPherson House. Built in 1936, it is a classic example of a factory manager's residence. The building has preserved its original wooden cladding and veranda, characteristic of the colonial style of northern outposts.

Missionary Period

With the arrival of religious missions in the mid-19th and early 20th centuries in the region, which is today represented by Canada, places of worship began to appear. They stood out against the background of low-rise residential buildings with their vertical dominance.

• Style: Simplified Neo-Gothic and wooden classicism.
• Features: Use of local wood species to imitate the architectural elements of stone temples in Europe. High pitched roofs for snow shedding and modest decor.
• Landmark Object: Although the historic wooden church burned down, modern religious structures maintain continuity in the use of wood as the main material, blending harmoniously into the landscape.

Modern Development and Prospector Heritage

The second half of the 20th century brought features of functional modernism to the village's appearance, associated with the construction of the highway and infrastructure development. However, the town carefully preserves the memory of the era of solitary prospectors.

• Style: Rustic style and functionalism.
• Landmark Building: Albert Faille’s Cabin. A small log house of the legendary trapper, located on the high bank of the river, serves as a symbol of the resilience and asceticism of life in the North.
• Urban Planning: Modern development remains low-rise, with wide streets and open spaces. A special place is occupied by the Papal Grounds — a memorial landscape complex on the riverbank, created in honour of the Pope's visit.

Distinguished Figures of Fort Simpson

The history of the town is rich in vivid characters — from pioneers and fur traders to modern political leaders and spiritual mentors. These people played a key role in shaping the unique character of the settlement.

• Laurent Leroux
  Fur trader and explorer
  A French-Canadian pioneer who worked for the North West Company. In 1803, he founded the "Fort of the Forks" trading post at the confluence of the rivers, laying the foundation for the future city of Fort Simpson. His activities opened this region to regular trade.
• Sir George Simpson
  Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company
  An outstanding administrator whose name the settlement bears. After the merger of the trading companies in 1821, he reorganized the management of the fur trade, turning the local fort into the strategic headquarters of the vast Mackenzie District.
• William Carpenter Bompas
  Missionary and Bishop
  A legendary Anglican clergyman known as the "Apostle of the North." He spent decades travelling through remote corners of the region, opening schools and studying Indigenous languages, leaving a significant mark on the cultural history of the land.
• Albert Faille
  Prospector and trapper
  A symbol of the gold rush era. Faille dedicated his life to searching for a legendary gold vein in the South Nahanni River valley. He lived in Fort Simpson until a ripe old age, and his humble cabin has become a museum embodying the spirit of northern adventurers.
• Nick Sibbeston
  Politician and Senator
  A native of the city who made a brilliant political career. He served as Premier of the Northwest Territories and later represented the interests of the region in the Senate of Canada. He is known as a passionate defender of Indigenous rights and northern identity.
• Pope John Paul II
  Head of the Roman Catholic Church
  His visit in 1987 became one of the most massive events in the settlement's history. The Pope held mass for thousands of pilgrims on the riverbank, fulfilling a promise to meet with the Indigenous peoples of the North, made by him three years earlier.
• Jim Antoine
  Chief and Statesman
  An influential leader of the Dene people and former Premier of the territory. His work contributed to strengthening local self-government and preserving the cultural heritage of the Liidlii Kue First Nation.