1. The Oregon Territory
BC to 1896

2. The HBC
George Simpson
Governor of HBC in 1826
Territory of New Caledonia and Columbia biggest challenge
Russian claims on West Coast
American claims to Oregon Territory
HBC saw Oregon Territory as an expansion of Rupert’s Land

3. HBC in Oregon Territory
Simpson toured HBC forts in territory
Decided HBC wasn’t making best use of the area resources
Created new post on Columbia River
Fort Vancouver
Chief Factor John McLoughlin
Ordered HBC employees to open up trade in Fraser Valley
Expand trading networks with Native peoples in the region

4. The Oregon Territory HBC had no intention of encouraging settlement
Would disrupt the fur trade
Undermine HBC’s monopoly in the area
US’s population rapidly growing
Seemed fated to control all of North America
US pursued aggressive policy towards territory
Encourage settlers to move into the area

5. Area seemed to be rich in furs 1827: Fort Langley
McLoughlin: saw that US was going to settle area south of Columbia River
Encouraged American settlers to go there and stay out of HBC territory
Reduce Am. competition
Simpson thought Am. settlers should be treated harshly
End of 1830’s: strong Am. presence in Oregon Territory

6. Russians on the West Coast
Establish a # of fur trading posts in Alaska
Extended influence along the northern NW Coast
1839: HBC and Russians agreed the Russians would cease their operations south of the 54 40’N
HBC supply Russian posts in Alaska with food
HBC steamship the Beaver (1835)
Also used as mobile base for trading with Native peoples

7. Decided to consolidate the operations of the maritime fur trade
1841: Simpson toured area
Decided to consolidate the operations of the maritime fur trade
All coastal ports closed (except Fort Simpson)
The Beaver would be used as floating fur-trade post
McLoughlin furious
McLoughlin developed hatred of HBC and Simpson
Cont’d to encourage Am. settlement S of the Columbia

8. Fort Victoria
Simpson alarmed at growing Am. presence in Oregon Territory
Fear that Fort Vancouver would be lost
Ordered Chief Factor James Douglas to est. a new depot on Vancouver Island
1843: Fort Victoria