Chilkat Tlingit destroy Hudson's Bay Company trading post at Fort Selkirk, Yukon
Aug. 21, 1852
From the Government of the Yukon Historic Sites Fort Selkirk guide:
"In 1848, Robert Campbell descended the Pelly River to establish a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post at the river’s mouth. He named the site Fort Selkirk. Four years later, he relocated the post to higher ground at the present site. Also, he made arrangements to obtain supplies from Fort Yukon, which was served by a more reliable and economical route than the one Campbell had used previously.
The new supply line allowed Campbell to compete with the Chilkats, who had a long-standing trade arrangements with the Selkirk people. The coastal tribe reacted to this challenge to their monopoly by pillaging Fort Selkirk in 1852. Campbell fled for his life and was rescued by the Selkirk Chief, Hanan. In gratitude, Campbell gave his name to the Chief, whose descendents still use it.
After his rescue, Campbell snowshoed much of the way to Minnesota, then traveled to Montreal. There, he tried to persuade his superiors to mount a raid against the Chilkats but was unsuccessful. It was 40 years before another trading post was established at Fort Selkirk."
"In 1848, Robert Campbell descended the Pelly River to establish a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post at the river’s mouth. He named the site Fort Selkirk. Four years later, he relocated the post to higher ground at the present site. Also, he made arrangements to obtain supplies from Fort Yukon, which was served by a more reliable and economical route than the one Campbell had used previously.
The new supply line allowed Campbell to compete with the Chilkats, who had a long-standing trade arrangements with the Selkirk people. The coastal tribe reacted to this challenge to their monopoly by pillaging Fort Selkirk in 1852. Campbell fled for his life and was rescued by the Selkirk Chief, Hanan. In gratitude, Campbell gave his name to the Chief, whose descendents still use it.
After his rescue, Campbell snowshoed much of the way to Minnesota, then traveled to Montreal. There, he tried to persuade his superiors to mount a raid against the Chilkats but was unsuccessful. It was 40 years before another trading post was established at Fort Selkirk."