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Red River Adventure: the story of the Selkirk settlers
When the Earl of Selkirk boldly planned to raise a settlement on the Red River, peopled by dispossessed Scottish and Irish farmers, he let no difficulties discourage him. To buy the huge Territory of Assiniboia from the Hudson's Bay Company, he first had to buy a controlling interest in the Company; but he could not purchase immunity for his settlers from bitterness aroused in Canada's two great fur-trading empires.
The Hudson's Bay Company traders did not want settlers in Rupert's Land; the Nor'Westers declared the settlement was their rival's trick to ruin the North West Company's trade. Against the opposition of the fur traders, of the half-breeds and Indians who claimed the territory as their own, the first group of settlers made their way to a remote untouched tract of forest, where the weather was severe and strange to them, food was scarce and shelter non-existent.
For four years, the tiny colony struggled for its life; twice it was destroyed, twice rebuilt. The Nor'Westers' opposition flared into open warfare, but in spite of almost countless difficulties the settlement grew and eventually, prospered.
This is a thrilling story of Lord Selkirk's vision and of the courageous Old Country immigrants who entrusted their lives to his dream. Lively studies of the many men involved - Governor Miles Macdonnell, his treacherous cousins, Lord Selkirk himself, and members of the two fur-trading companies - and the colour and atmosphere of this account will make it a great favorite of teenage readers everywhere. Boys and girls in Manitoba, who know that from the colony grew the city of Winnipeg, will find this adventure on Red River particularly exciting.
The Hudson's Bay Company traders did not want settlers in Rupert's Land; the Nor'Westers declared the settlement was their rival's trick to ruin the North West Company's trade. Against the opposition of the fur traders, of the half-breeds and Indians who claimed the territory as their own, the first group of settlers made their way to a remote untouched tract of forest, where the weather was severe and strange to them, food was scarce and shelter non-existent.
For four years, the tiny colony struggled for its life; twice it was destroyed, twice rebuilt. The Nor'Westers' opposition flared into open warfare, but in spite of almost countless difficulties the settlement grew and eventually, prospered.
This is a thrilling story of Lord Selkirk's vision and of the courageous Old Country immigrants who entrusted their lives to his dream. Lively studies of the many men involved - Governor Miles Macdonnell, his treacherous cousins, Lord Selkirk himself, and members of the two fur-trading companies - and the colour and atmosphere of this account will make it a great favorite of teenage readers everywhere. Boys and girls in Manitoba, who know that from the colony grew the city of Winnipeg, will find this adventure on Red River particularly exciting.
158 pages
First published January 1, 1957
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 18, 2021
It is interesting to read a book like this, written in the 1950s for a general children's audience, and to realize how much the terminology has changed!
Beyond that, a gripping account of the origin of the city of Winnipeg.
Beyond that, a gripping account of the origin of the city of Winnipeg.
December 23, 2021
A quick book. Interesting read. Geared more towards children I think but you can still learn a few things reading it as an adult.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews