The Early History of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta

Rocky Mountain House in Alberta stands as a testament to Canada's fur trade era and the complex relationships between European traders and Indigenous peoples. Established at the confluence of the Clearwater and North Saskatchewan Rivers, this historic site played a pivotal role in the exploration and development of Western Canada. Its rich history encompasses Indigenous presence, fur trade competition, and explorations that helped map the Canadian West.

Indigenous Presence Before European Contact

The area now known as Rocky Mountain House is located on the traditional territories of multiple Indigenous groups, including the Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy), Tsuut'ina, Stoney Nakoda, Cree, Saulteaux (Anishinaabe), and Métis peoples2. Before European settlers arrived, this region served as an important stopping and meeting place for Indigenous nations due to its strategic location at the confluence of two major rivers3.

The region was primarily in Blackfoot territory, though other Indigenous groups would travel through the area on their way to the mountains for trade purposes3. The complex network of relationships among these groups would later influence the dynamics of the fur trade in this region. Today, the area sits on Treaty 6 land, which was signed in 18763.

First European Contact and Exploration

The earliest recorded European presence in the Rocky Mountain House area dates to 1780 when Peter Pangman visited and carved his name and date into a pine tree near the banks of the Clearwater River3. This landmark, known as "Pangman's Pine," would stand for approximately 100 years as a navigational aid for subsequent traders and explorers3.

The most significant early European influence came with the establishment of trading posts by competing fur companies seeking to expand their operations westward. This development would transform the region and establish Rocky Mountain House as a crucial outpost in the Canadian fur trade.

Establishment of Trading Posts (1799)

In September 1799, the North West Company established the first Rocky Mountain House, built by John McDonald of Garth5. Almost simultaneously, the Hudson's Bay Company constructed a nearby competing post called Acton House, established by James Bird5. This began a period of intense competition between the two major fur trading companies of the era.

Both companies strategically selected this location for several reasons:

It provided a potential jumping-off point for exploration routes to the Pacific Coast17.
It was situated in Blackfoot territory, reducing the likelihood of conflict with the Cree who traditionally traded at Edmonton House17.
Its proximity to the mountains made it a promising location to attract trade with the Kootenay (Ktunaxa) people from across the Rockies, who had access to more plentiful beaver populations17.

The establishment of these posts marked the beginning of Rocky Mountain House's significant role in the fur trade and exploration of Western Canada.

David Thompson's Explorations

One of the most notable historical figures associated with Rocky Mountain House was the explorer and surveyor David Thompson. Prior to coming to Rocky Mountain House, Thompson had switched his allegiance from the Hudson's Bay Company to the North West Company in 17976. After the establishment of Rocky Mountain House in 1799, it became Thompson's main base for exploration west of the Rocky Mountains6.

Thompson wintered at Rocky Mountain House in 1801-1802 and used it as a base for several surveying journeys3. Most significantly, in 1807, he departed from this location to cross the Rocky Mountains and explore what would become British Columbia, eventually mapping the Columbia River34. His detailed maps and journals from these expeditions provided invaluable information about previously uncharted territories and contributed significantly to our understanding of Western Canadian geography.

Thompson's work from Rocky Mountain House represents some of the most important early cartographic and ethnographic documentation of the Canadian West.

Indigenous Relations and Trade Dynamics

The fur trade at Rocky Mountain House was shaped by complex relations between European traders and various Indigenous groups. While the trading posts were established partly to facilitate trade with the Kootenay people from across the mountains, the Blackfoot had other ideas17.

The Blackfoot, seeking to maintain their position as middlemen in the regional trade network, actively blocked the Kootenay from reaching the trading post and prevented explorers from crossing the mountains17. They wanted Rocky Mountain House to prosper, but primarily through trade with their own people rather than with their traditional enemies6.

In 1801, Thompson attempted to overcome this obstacle by sending two traders, Le Blanc and La Gasse, across the mountains as trade ambassadors to the Kootenay. Unfortunately, both men became embroiled in Blackfoot-Kootenay conflicts and did not survive beyond 18066. This illustrates the dangers faced by traders who attempted to navigate the complex Indigenous politics of the region.

Life at the Trading Posts

Daily life for traders at Rocky Mountain House was challenging and dangerous. Game was often scarce in the region, making starvation a real possibility for those stationed at the post1. Additionally, traders had to navigate relationships with the Blackfoot, who could be unpredictable and potentially dangerous if they believed traders were attempting to establish connections with their enemies1.

Safety concerns heavily influenced the construction of the fort. It featured high palisades surrounding the buildings and loop-holed bastions at the four corners for defensive purposes1. These precautions reflected the uncertain nature of life at this frontier outpost.

It was standard practice to man these forts only during winter, abandoning them in spring for the better-supplied base at Edmonton House17. Spring break-up was also when the accumulated furs were loaded onto York boats and began their long journey to York Factory on Hudson Bay17.

Evolution of Rocky Mountain House (1821-1875)

A significant change occurred in 1821 when the Hudson's Bay Company and North West Company merged following the Pemmican War35. After this merger, Rocky Mountain House came under the jurisdiction of the Hudson's Bay Company, and Acton House was abandoned5.

Over the subsequent decades, the Hudson's Bay Company operated Rocky Mountain House intermittently, rebuilding it three times at different locations in the same general area23. The final iteration was constructed in 1866 and featured high palisades and bastions at each corner8. This version of the fort later became famous when its chimneys were preserved as a historic landmark8.

Interestingly, this 1866 fort was often mistakenly believed to be the original fort where David Thompson had worked. A plaque placed at the site in 1927 reinforced this misconception until it was replaced with corrected information in 19678.

By the 1870s, changes in the fur trade and shifting economic patterns led to declining profitability for Rocky Mountain House. The trading post was finally abandoned in 1875, marking the end of its active role in the fur trade2 49.

Conclusion

The early history of Rocky Mountain House reflects the complex interplay of Indigenous cultures, European commercial interests, and the challenges of frontier life in Western Canada. From its establishment in 1799 to its final abandonment in 1875, this trading post witnessed key developments in Canadian history, including the fur trade competition, David Thompson's explorations, and the changing relationships between European traders and Indigenous peoples.

Today, Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site preserves this important heritage for future generations, offering visitors a glimpse into the significant role this location played in the early development of Alberta and Western Canada. The site continues to stand as a testament to the diverse peoples and competing interests that shaped the Canadian West during this formative period.

Citations:

Answer from Perplexity: pplx.ai/share

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