CANADA HISTORY - Places-Events

Fur Trade Lachine

The Lachine Fur Trade building, located on the shores of Lac Saint-Louis in Lachine, Quebec, stands as a testament to the importance of the fur trade in the economic and social development of Canada. Built in 1803, the stone structure served as a crucial hub for fur brigades returning from the vast northern and western regions of Canada during the late 1700s and early 1800s. It played a significant role in the operations of the North West Company (NWC), one of the two great fur trading enterprises of the time, competing against the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC). The story of the Lachine Fur Trade building is closely intertwined with the broader history of the fur trade in Canada and the competition between French, English, and Scottish businessmen who sought to exploit the abundant natural resources of the New World.

Origins of the Fur Trade and Lachine’s Role

The fur trade in Canada began almost as soon as the first European settlements were established in New France during the early 1600s. The French quickly realized the value of trading with the Indigenous peoples, who had long harvested furs—particularly beaver pelts—for their own use. These furs became highly sought after in Europe, where beaver felt was used to make fashionable hats. The fur trade expanded rapidly as French explorers and traders pushed deeper into the interior of North America, forging alliances with various Indigenous groups, including the Huron, Cree, and Anishinaabe. These alliances were essential for the French, as the Indigenous peoples provided the knowledge, labor, and transportation networks necessary to acquire furs from remote regions.

However, the fur trade was not without its conflicts. In New France, a constant tension existed between the "coureurs de bois"—the French-Canadian adventurers who operated deep in the wilderness—and the "habitants," the farmers and settlers who were focused on building a European-style society in the New World. The fur traders, often operating outside of official channels, represented a more rugged, mobile, and independent lifestyle that clashed with the more settled and agricultural aspirations of the colonial administration. This tension reflected a broader debate about the purpose of New France: was it to be a European-style colony with towns, farms, and families, or a resource-extraction outpost focused on trade?

The Seven Years' War (1756-1763) dramatically altered the fur trade landscape in Canada. The British victory over France led to the cession of New France to Britain in 1763, and with it, the fur trade came under British control. This marked the beginning of the fur trade’s domination by two major companies: the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), established in 1670, and the North West Company (NWC), founded in the late 1700s by a group of British and Scottish businessmen in Montreal. The competition between these two companies would define the fur trade for much of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

The Creation of the Lachine Fur Trade Building

In the years following the British conquest, Montreal became the hub of the fur trade in the St. Lawrence River Valley. The NWC, formed by Scottish and English merchants eager to challenge the HBC's dominance, chose Montreal as its headquarters. The company adopted a different trading model than the HBC, which operated trading posts along the shores of Hudson Bay, where Indigenous trappers would bring furs. The NWC, by contrast, sent brigades of "voyageurs" deep into the interior of the continent to acquire furs directly from Indigenous communities and then transported the furs back to Montreal. These brigades, consisting of young, strong French-Canadian men, would paddle canoes along vast river systems, traversing the wilderness from the Great Lakes to the Rocky Mountains and beyond. The fur they brought back to Montreal was then shipped to Europe, where it was sold for profit.

The Lachine Fur Trade building, completed in 1803, served as one of the NWC’s key storage and distribution centers. Its location on the shore of Lac Saint-Louis, just west of Montreal, made it a convenient stop for the voyageurs returning from the west via the Ottawa River. The stone building, sturdy and functional, housed furs, supplies, and trade goods, facilitating the operations of the NWC’s vast fur-trading network. Lachine’s strategic location at the junction of the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes made it an ideal base for launching fur brigades into the interior and receiving them on their return.

The Political Situation and the Rise of the North West Company

By the early 1800s, the NWC had grown into a powerful commercial entity, controlling nearly 75% of the fur trade in North America. The company’s aggressive expansion strategy, which included pushing further west into territories not yet reached by the HBC, allowed it to dominate the fur trade and compete effectively with its rival. The NWC’s business model relied heavily on the physical endurance and skill of the voyageurs, who braved dangerous rapids, long portages, and harsh weather to bring furs from remote regions back to Montreal. The company also maintained complex trading relationships with various Indigenous nations, who were integral to its success.

However, the intense competition between the NWC and the HBC led to conflict, both in the wilderness and in the boardrooms of London and Montreal. The two companies often found themselves in direct competition for furs, Indigenous trading partners, and territory. This rivalry occasionally escalated into violence, particularly in the western regions of the fur trade. The culmination of this competition was the merger of the NWC and HBC in 1821, after years of financial and logistical strain on both companies. The unified company retained the Hudson's Bay Company name and became the dominant force in the fur trade for the rest of the 19th century.

The Voyageurs and Their Role in the Fur Trade

At the heart of the fur trade were the voyageurs, the young French-Canadian men who paddled the canoes, carried the furs, and built relationships with Indigenous communities. The voyageurs were known for their incredible physical strength and endurance, as their work required them to paddle up to 14 hours a day, carry heavy loads across difficult portages, and navigate treacherous waterways. They often traveled thousands of kilometers in a single season, journeying from Montreal to remote trading posts in the interior and back again.

The voyageurs were key to the success of the NWC. They were not only responsible for transporting the furs but also for negotiating trade with Indigenous groups, maintaining supply lines, and ensuring the smooth operation of the fur brigades. Most voyageurs were of French-Canadian descent, and many came from farming families along the St. Lawrence River. Their work was seasonal, and while it was grueling, it was also well-paid for the time, providing an opportunity for young men to earn a living and experience the adventure of the wilderness.

The Lachine Fur Trade Site as a National Historic Site

Today, the Lachine Fur Trade building is preserved as a National Historic Site, managed by Parks Canada. The site offers visitors a glimpse into the operations of the fur trade and the role of Lachine as a key hub in the NWC’s trading network. The building itself, constructed of stone and remarkably well-preserved, houses exhibits and artifacts related to the fur trade, including tools, maps, and records of the voyageurs’ journeys.

The site also provides insights into the broader significance of the fur trade in Canadian history. The fur trade was not just an economic enterprise—it shaped the exploration, settlement, and development of vast regions of North America. The relationships forged between fur traders and Indigenous peoples were complex, involving cooperation, conflict, and mutual dependence. The fur trade also played a role in the early formation of Canada’s national identity, as the rugged, adventurous spirit of the voyageurs became a symbol of Canadian perseverance and resourcefulness.

The Lachine Fur Trade building stands as a reminder of a time when the fur trade was the lifeblood of Canada’s economy and a driving force behind the exploration and settlement of the western regions of the continent. Built in 1803 by the North West Company, the building played a vital role in the operations of one of the most powerful commercial enterprises in North America. The site is not only a testament to the economic importance of the fur trade but also to the endurance and determination of the voyageurs who paddled the rivers and lakes of the continent. Today, as a National Historic Site managed by Parks Canada, the Lachine Fur Trade building preserves this rich history for future generations, providing insights into a pivotal period in the development of Canada.