North West Company Plaque

In Williamstown, Ontario, a plaque commemorating the North West Company stands on the northeast corner of John Street and Bethune Street.

THE NORTH WEST COMPANY

Some fifteen years after the British conquest of New France the Montreal-based fur trade was revived, primarily by Scots. Competition among individuals and small partnerships led to larger groupings, culminating in 1779 in formation of the first North West Company. Reconstitued 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 indluded: Bejamin 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.

Archeological and Historic Sites Board of Ontario.

The NORWESTERS and LOYALIST
MUSEUM
The museum housed by this heritage property has
exhibits relating to the North West Company.

Township of
South Glengarry
HERITAGE PROPERTY
DESIGNATED
1985

Mill Wheel