The Laird of Fort William

William McGillivray and the North West Company

Nonfiction, History, Canada, Biography & Memoir, Historical
Cover of the book The Laird of Fort William by Irene Ternier Gordon, Heritage House
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Irene Ternier Gordon ISBN: 9781927051733
Publisher: Heritage House Publication: October 15, 2013
Imprint: Heritage House Language: English
Author: Irene Ternier Gordon
ISBN: 9781927051733
Publisher: Heritage House
Publication: October 15, 2013
Imprint: Heritage House
Language: English

High finance, wilderness adventures, violence, and questionable legal tactics all played important roles in the history of the North West Company. William McGillivray, head of the company from 1804 until 1821, was arguably the most powerful businessman in Canada in the early nineteenth century.

William McGillivray emigrated from the Scottish Highlands to work for his uncle Simon McTavish when he was twenty years old and became head of the NWC in 1804 upon McTavish’s death. The period from 1805 to 1814 was a time of quick expansion and great prosperity for the company; however, its decline was even more rapid. It could be argued that the NWC did not merge with the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1821 but rather was swallowed up by it. By the time William died in 1825, the McGillivray family had been forced into bankruptcy.

Set against the background of the history and legacy of the NWC, this engaging biography tells McGillivray’s complete story, from his early years in Scotland, immigration to Canada, and fur-trading successes to his eventual downfall.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

High finance, wilderness adventures, violence, and questionable legal tactics all played important roles in the history of the North West Company. William McGillivray, head of the company from 1804 until 1821, was arguably the most powerful businessman in Canada in the early nineteenth century.

William McGillivray emigrated from the Scottish Highlands to work for his uncle Simon McTavish when he was twenty years old and became head of the NWC in 1804 upon McTavish’s death. The period from 1805 to 1814 was a time of quick expansion and great prosperity for the company; however, its decline was even more rapid. It could be argued that the NWC did not merge with the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1821 but rather was swallowed up by it. By the time William died in 1825, the McGillivray family had been forced into bankruptcy.

Set against the background of the history and legacy of the NWC, this engaging biography tells McGillivray’s complete story, from his early years in Scotland, immigration to Canada, and fur-trading successes to his eventual downfall.

More books from Heritage House

Cover of the book Hoaxes and Hexes by Irene Ternier Gordon
Cover of the book Polar Bears: The Arctic’s Fearless Great Wanderers by Irene Ternier Gordon
Cover of the book Historic San Francisco by Irene Ternier Gordon
Cover of the book Bronc Busters and Hay Sloops: Ranching in the West in the Early 20th Century by Irene Ternier Gordon
Cover of the book Baychimo: Arctic Ghost Ship by Irene Ternier Gordon
Cover of the book Grizzly's Home by Irene Ternier Gordon
Cover of the book Dirty Thirties Desperadoes by Irene Ternier Gordon
Cover of the book Brother XII’s Treasure by Irene Ternier Gordon
Cover of the book A Book of Tricksters by Irene Ternier Gordon
Cover of the book The Secret Deepens by Irene Ternier Gordon
Cover of the book A Gillnet's Drift by Irene Ternier Gordon
Cover of the book Healy's West by Irene Ternier Gordon
Cover of the book Leaning on the Wind: Under the Spell of the Great Chinook by Irene Ternier Gordon
Cover of the book People of the Fur Trade: From Native Trappers to Chief Factors by Irene Ternier Gordon
Cover of the book Innocence on Trial by Irene Ternier Gordon
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy