jan 7, 1670 - The Hudsons Bay Company Is Born
Description:
King Charles II issued a Charter to Prince Rupert and “the Company of Adventurers of England trading into Hudson Bay,” giving them a monopoly over all the trade in this area. The Charter declares the Company’s intent is: “for the discovery of a new Passage into the South Sea and for the finding of some Trade for Furrs Minerals and other considerable Commodities …” This creates Rupert’s Land, defined as all the land drained by rivers flowing into Hudson Bay. In all, it comprises nearly 40 percent of what is now Canada, plus much of what is now Minnesota and North Dakota. In return, as part of the rent ceremony, the Company pays the Crown two elk and two black beaver.
Later in the year, the HBC appointed Charles Bayley as Governor of Rupert’s Land. He travelled aboard the Wivenhoe with Radisson to establish a post at Nelson River.
Added to timeline:
Hudson Bay Company Timeline
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