Collection
A corporation established in 1670, the Hudson's Bay Company was granted a trading monopoly by the British Crown over most of western and northern Canada. The Company encountered opposition from French fur traders and later from the North West Company. The monopoly of the Company seemed assured when it merged with the North West Company in 1821; however, the Company's position was soon threatened by the demand for free trade and the encroachment of settlers. In 1870, the Hudson's Bay Company sold all of its territorial rights to the Canadian government. The Company still continues to do business in Canada as a trading entity.
(Source: Guide to Archival Resources at McGill University: Private Papers at McGill University. McGill University Archives. 1985. Vol. 2, p. 160.)
Scope and Content
The Hudson's Bay Company collection consists of business records divided in two major series: the journals and letterbooks of chief factors John Thomas, James Russell and Robert Miles which concern their business activities and the socio-economic activities of fur trading posts; and the minutes of the Hudson's Bay Company councils of the northern department and southern department (18--) of Rupert's Land which deal with the business of the departments. Also included is a deed of poll witch outlines the rights and duties of the chief factors and traders of the Company.
(Source: Guide to Archival Resources at McGill University: Private Papers at McGill University. McGill University Archives. 1985. Vol. 2, p. 160.)
Information about the objects in our collection is updated to reflect new research findings. If you have any information to share regarding this object, please email reference.mccord@mccord-stewart.ca.Information about rights and reproductions is available here.
This project is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Azrieli Foundation and Canadian Heritage.