Peel River Post

"In June, 1840, John Bell of the Hudson’s Bay Company chose a location to build the Peel River Post.

We invited students to visit the site of the Peel River Post.
Decide: Did John Bell choose a good location?

When he arrived at the Peel River, John Bell began writing a journal. The Hudson’s Bay Archives still had a copy.

In class, students wrote a drama from Bell's story of building the fort, trading for fur and running out of food.

Then, students went on a river journey to the site of the Peel River Post. How different was this journey in 1840?

Dr. Jean-Luc Pilon showed students how an archaeologist assesses a historic site. Where was the post located?

The students walked through the site, taking photographs and making notes. They located the fort and the houses.

Students examined the shore of the river and assessed why the Hudson's Bay Company moved the fort upriver.

Then students presented their drama in the location where the historical events had taken place.

When students returned home, they posted their drama on-line, recounting events that took place 180 years ago.