What is Alexander Mackenzie famous for?

Best known for his 1789 and 1793 journeys to the Arctic and Pacific coasts, Alexander Mackenzie was the first European to cross the continent north of Mexico. Although his ideas for reorganizing the fur trade were rejected at the time, some of them were adopted in the 19th century.

What are some fun facts about Alexander Mackenzie?

Mackenzie was the first European to cross North America, where he inspired succeeding adventurers and traders, such as the famous Lewis and Clark expedition sponsored by the American military (1804–6). The Mackenzie River was named in his honor.

Why did Sir Alexander Mackenzie explore?

It was Mackenzie’s passion to reach the Pacific Ocean overland. In the summer of 1789 he set out, hoping to discover a passage westward by way of a river, described to him by the Indians, which flowed out of Great Slave Lake. After 3 weeks exploring the north shore of the lake, they found the outlet.

When and where was Alexander Mackenzie born?

1764, Stornoway, United Kingdom
Alexander Mackenzie/Born

Why did Simon Fraser go exploring?

Fraser River Expedition On 28 May 1808, hoping to discover a new transportation route to the Pacific, Fraser left Fort George with two clerks, 16 voyageurs and two Indigenous guides. This gruelling 520 mile (832 km) expedition ranks as one of Canada’s greatest explorations.

What country did Simon Fraser represent?

Canada
Simon Fraser, (born 1776, Mapletown, New York [U.S.]—died August 18, 1862, St. Andrews, Canada West [now in Ontario, Canada]), Canadian fur trader and explorer who discovered the Fraser River in British Columbia.

Who sent Alexander Mackenzie to Canada?

When his father joined the British army, Mackenzie, motherless, was left with two aunts who sent him to Montreal in 1778. Montreal, the centre of the fur trade, enticed Mackenzie in 1779 to enter the industry that must have seemed an exciting occupation to a boy who was nearly a man.

Who Killed Simon Fraser?

Timothy Murphy
Timothy Murphy (1751–1818) was an Irish American rifleman in the American Revolutionary War. At the Battle of Bemis Heights (Second Battle of Saratoga) on October 7, 1777, Murphy is reputed to have shot and killed Sir Francis Clerke, 7th Baronet and General Simon Fraser.

What happened when Simon Fraser died?

Fraser was one of the last surviving partners of the North West Company when he died on August 18, 1862. His wife died the next day, and they were buried in a single grave in the Roman Catholic cemetery at St.

How did Fort Mackenzie in Wyoming get its name?

Fort Mackenzie was established in Sheridan in 1898 as a U.S. Army outpost in northern Wyoming. It was named for Colonel Ranald S. Mackenzie (1840 – 1889), a veteran of the Powder River Expedition who defeated Cheyenne Chief Dull Knife near the Big Horn Mountains in the Dull Knife Fight of 1876.

When did Kenneth Mackenzie join the Royal Regiment?

Only months after the family’s arrival the American revolution broke out, and Kenneth and John joined the King’s Royal Regiment of New York, raised by Sir John Johnson*. Commissioned lieutenant in 1776, Kenneth served until 1780, when he died suddenly at Carleton Island (N.Y.).

Which is the official name of Quebec City?

While Québec is the city’s official name in both French and English, the city is most often referred to as Quebec City (or Ville de Québec in French) to distinguish the city from the province. A panorama of Quebec City’s skyline.

Why was Fort McHenry important to the British?

Fort McHenry, a large star fortress built in 1800, guards Baltimore’s inner harbor at a bend in the Patapsco River. The British plan to land troops on the eastern side of the city while the navy reduces the fort, allowing for naval support of the ground troops when they attack the city’s defenders.