Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Lord Selkirk’s Canoe Brigade
- Type: Fur trade canoes
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Near Maple Island, at the southern entrance to Batchawana Bay
- Original Owners: North West Company
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type: Fur trade canoes
Description
Description: The Lord Selkirk’s Canoe Brigade was a group of fur trade canoes used to transport North West Company partners to Montréal for trial following the Seven Oaks Massacre. The brigade faced a tragic incident when a sudden squall capsized one of the canoes, resulting in the drowning of nine men.
History
History: The Seven Oaks Massacre occurred in 1816, involving a conflict between settlers of the Red River Colony and buffalo hunters allied with the North West Company. Lord Selkirk, a major shareholder in the Hudson’s Bay Company, arrested several NWCo partners and began escorting them by canoe to Montréal for trial. The incident highlights the intense rivalries and dangers faced during the fur trade era.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents:
- 1816: The canoe brigade capsized in a sudden storm near Maple Island, drowning nine men, including Kenneth Mackenzie.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition: The incident had legal repercussions for Lord Selkirk, who lost a court battle and was countersued for damages, leading to his financial ruin and death in 1820.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility: Batchawana Bay and Maple Island are significant historical sites related to the fur trade. They remain accessible for exploration and education about the fur trade and the events of 1816.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”lord-selkirks-canoe-brigade-1816″ title=”References & Links”]
Closing Summary: The story of Lord Selkirk’s Canoe Brigade serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by voyageurs in the fur trade and the intense rivalries that shaped early Canadian history.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →