Today we look at one of the most important means of
transportation for the Hudson's Bay Company. Not familiar with the
York boat? Here are some fast facts...
- The York boat played a vital role in the operations of the
Hudson's Bay Company
- The name "York boat" wasn't adopted until the late 1880's.
Previously the boats were called "inland boats" or simply
"boats"
- Ironically, the boats were not made in the York Factory. They
were constructed at Albany House, where the Albany River enters
James Bay
- George Sutherland built the first York boat at Edmonton House
in 1795
- The average York boat built at Fort Edmonton were usually
manned by 6-8 crew members and carried 4500 to 6300 lbs
- The average lifespan of a York boat was only 3 trips. 5-10 new
boats were built each year
Here's a reenactment of a York boat arrival at Fort
Edmonton Park.