History of the HBC

By Madisonnn

  • The Hudson's Bay Company opened

    Began in London, England. Singing of the royal charter

  • The Treaty of Utrecht

    France acknowledged England's claim to Hudson Bay

  • 7 year war

    War begins and lowers demand for felt and fur in Europe, the war ends in 1763 with the treaty of Paris.

  • The iconic blanket

    The first point blanket is made. Now known as the “unofficial” identifier of HBC.

  • Change in values

    The International Financial Society bought into the HBC, signaling a shift in the company's outlook: most of the new shareholders were less interested in the fur trade and more interested in the real-estate speculation and economic development in the West.

  • Confederations effect on HBC

    Negotiations begin regarding the transfer of land ownership to Canada and compensation for HBC.

  • Sale of Ruperts land

    The terms of the agreement influenced company development. The HBC was able to become one of the most important developers in western Canada.

  • Opening of a HBC store

    First retail store opened in Winnipeg

  • HBC opens the first trading post in Eastern Arctic.

    Begin trading with the Inuit for arctic fox furs

  • HBC opens the world’s largest fur auction house in London.

  • HBC adopts “The Bay” brand for retail.

    Created national identity that continues to live on to this day.