Posts of the Canadian Fur Trade, 1600–1870 Map

Explore the historical geography of early North American commerce, indigenous trading routes, and territorial expansion with the Posts of the Canadian Fur Trade, 1600 to 1870 Map. Published as pages 79–80 of The National Atlas of Canada (4th Edition) by the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, this essential historical map details over two and a half centuries of fur trading post operations across Canada and northern border regions. Designed for historians, genealogists, educators, archaeologists, and land researchers, this map offers an exhaustive visual record of trading network evolution.

The map displays individual post locations categorized by primary trading entities—including the French traders, the North West Company, the Hudson's Bay Company, the XY Company, British Military operations, and Canadian Independent traders. Individual map markers use precise symbols and color coding to indicate the first known owner of each post alongside its duration of operation (ranging from under 3 years to over 50 years). The sheet features detailed regional coverage across Western Canada, Rupert's Land, the Great Lakes basin, the St. Lawrence Valley, and the Pacific slope, accompanied by historical narrative panels detailing major operational eras from 1600 through 1870.

• Exhaustive Post Mapping: Identifies hundreds of historic trading posts across Canada, indicating exact site locations, primary historical names, and alternate titles.

• Corporate & Owner Classification: Uses distinct color-coded map markers to categorize posts established by the Hudson's Bay Company, North West Company, French Regime, XY Company, and Independent traders.

• Operational Duration Indicators: Symbol shapes clearly indicate post longevity, distinguishing temporary seasonal outposts from permanent, long-term regional headquarters.

• Chronological Historical Narrative: Includes detailed textual summaries outlining six key historical eras—from early Atlantic trade (1600–1670) through Hudson's Bay Company consolidation and late territorial reorganization (1821–1870).

• Official Atlas of Canada Sheet: Serves as an authoritative cartographic resource produced under Canada's Miscellaneous Map Series (MCR).

Whether conducting genealogical lineage research, mapping historical canoe routes, or analyzing 17th-to-19th century economic expansion, the Posts of the Canadian Fur Trade map provides an indispensable reference visual.