Alexander Christie (1792-1872)

Fur trader, Governor of Red River Settlement (1833-1839, 1844-1846).

Reputedly born in Glasgow, Scotland, Christie joined the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1809, beginning his career in Moose Factory in the timber business. He advanced quickly, becoming chief factor in 1821. He headed Moose Factory from 1826 to 1830 and York Factory from 1830 to 1833. He became governor of Assiniboia until 1839, then again from 1844 to 1848. Christie’s second term was taken up with attempting to enforce the HBC fur-trading monopoly. But he could not enforce his pretensions, and he opined to the Company that a military force was essential. One was sent in 1846 under Colonel John Folliot Crofton and another in 1848 under Major William Bletterman Caldwell.

Christie died in Scotland in 1872.

More information:

Alexander Christie, Dictionary of Canadian Biography X,167-68.

Sources:

Profile revised: 31 July 2008

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