The North West Company

Photo by Alan L Brown - June 29, 2005

Plaque Location

The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry
The Township of South Glengarry
In Williamstown on the north side of John Street (County Road 17) west of County Road 19 at street number 19651

Plaque Text

Some fifteen years after the British conquest of New France, the Montreal-based fur trade was revived, primarily by Scots. Competition among the individuals and small partnerships led to larger groupings, culminating in 1779 in the formation of the first "North West Company". Reconstituted, 1783-4, the organization became a vital factor in the economy and exploration of this nation. Many of its partners and employees were drawn from among the Highland settlers of Glengarry County. Notable figures in the Company included: Benjamin and Joseph Frobisher, Simon McTavish, William McGillivray, Simon Fraser, Sir Alexander Mackenzie and David Thompson. Ruinous competition between the North West and Hudson's Bay Companies finally compelled them to unite in 1821.

Here's More
Information