Heritage Explorer

Description

(1795 – 1797) Ash House was likely the first fur trading post built on the Souris River.

Stories

Ash House

Ash House was the first fur trading post built along the Souris River. This post only operated for a year and a half due to vulnerability of attack by the Dakota.

The Souris River Fur Trade

The Fur Trade on the Souris River flourished because of the proximity of grassland favoured by grazing bison. Pemmican made from these magestic beasts supported the rest of the fur trade.

Other Features Nearby

CNR Hartney-Carmen-Winnipeg Branch to Virden

(1905) The CNR built a bridge over the Souris River and reached Grande Clairière in the fall and Virden by Christmas.

CPR-Estevan Branch to Saskatchewan

The Estevan Branch of the Canadian Pacific Railway reached Melita in 1891 and continued to the Saskatchewan border.

Dakota-Assiniboine Battle - Souris River

(1793) The Dakota were opposed to the fur trade in the Souris basin and wanted the Assiniboine to stop trading with the fur traders. During a battle held in this approximate location, the Dakota wiped out an entire Assiniboine village.

Fort Mr. Grant

(1824 – 1861) Cuthbert Grant established this fort on the Souris River on behalf of the HBC to keep illegal operations from diverting business away from the company.

Mullett Site

(1500 BCE – 750 AD) A bison kill and processing site on the bank of the Souris.

Truro School #3

(September 1st, 1886-1944) A few years after Truro School moved to the second location and then in 1917 it moved again to the third and present location.

X.Y. Fort

(1795) The X.Y. Company was made up of disgruntled North West Co. Workers. This post was managed by Mr. Peter Grant and operated in opposition to the nearby N.W. Co. Ash Fort.

Yellow Quill Trail

(Pre 1790 - 1886) The Yellow Quill Trail began as a trade route used by First Nations but served as a convenient avenue of travel for pioneering Europeans as well.