In 1824, Cuthbert James Grant, at that time a youthful but influential Metis leader, was encouraged by George Simpson, Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company, to counter competition from Americans and other independent fur traders in the Souris Valley. He built a trading post on the Souris River, southwest of where the town of Hartney was later located. That post operated from 1824 to 1861, often used only during the winter.
The site today is a clearing adjacent to the Souris River. The area is much more heavily treed today than it would have been in the 1800s, but trees often did not take hold on fur trade posts so the clearing here would give us a rough idea of the dimensions of the establishment. Time has erased most of the evidence, but some Hartney area residents remember a time when cellar depressions and foundations were visible.
The former site of Fort Mr. Grant on the Souris River (August 2026)
Source: Ken StorieSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.46897, W100.57159
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Memorable Manitobans: Cuthbert James Grant (1793-1854)
We thank Brad Coe for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Ken Storie.
Page revised: 5 September 2026
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