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Fur Trade Stories Timeline
  From 1600 to 1867
Home >> From 1600 to 1867 >> Historical Connections >> Artwork/Illustrations

The fur trade influenced the historical development of Canada in a number of ways including: the development and expansion into western and northern Canada; the significance of Canadian place names; the origin and rise of the Métis Nation; the impact of interaction between the First Peoples and the Europeans-and these connections can be found in personal and commercial stories about the people and events of the fur trade.


Image 1
Copyright Holder: Mrs. J.H. Scofield
  50 - Letitia Hargrave

Letitia Hargrave (née MacTavish)
b. 1813 - d. 1854

Letitia Hargrave nee MacTavish (1813-1854) was the daughter of Sheriff Dugald MacTavish and Letitia Lockhart. In 1840, she married James Hargrave, Chief Trader for the HBC, and left Scotland for York Factory.

The letters Letitia wrote to family and friends provide us with observations of daily life that differ from the typical post journals of that time which were written by men.

Her correspondence is also recognized for its importance as being one of the earliest for pioneer women in the fur trade in Western Canada. Through her letters, we can see her mature from a gawking and sea-sick newcomer to a shrewd and experienced observer of fur trade life.


Other Related Material
Read excerpts from Letitia's letters - enter 'Letitia' in the search box to your left.

What does Joseph James Hargrave look like?

Check the Beaver Index - e.g., type in women, children, wives, etc.