Historic Sites of Manitoba: Norway House Plaques (Norway House, Northern Manitoba)

The first Norway House was built in 1814 at Mossy Point on Lake Winnipeg by Norwegian axemen hired to cut a winter road from the lake to York Factory. After 1821 the post became the Hudson's Bay Company’s principal depot for the Athabasca brigade. Having been destroyed by fire, it was rebuilt here in 1826 near the site of the earlier Jack River House. Its location made it for many years a convenient meeting place for the Council of the Northern Department, and even after the general decline in the fur trade at mid-century, Norway House remained an important trading post.

Commemorative plaques at the site were installed by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and the Manitoba Heritage Council. Another plaque, identical to one at York Factory, commemorates the Hayes River as an historic fur trade route.

Federal commemorative plaque at Norway House (October 2023) Source: Glen Toews Provincial commemorative plaque at Norway House (October 2023) Source: Glen Toews Hayes River commemorative plaque at Norway House (October 2023) Source: Glen Toews Site Coordinates (lat/long): N53.98177, W97.83584 denoted by symbol on the map above

See also:

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Manitoba Plaques for Persons, Events and Sites of National Historic Significance

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Provincially Designated Historic Sites

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Archway Warehouse, Jail and Powder Magazine Remains (Norway House, Norway House)

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Hayes River - Canadian Heritage River (York Factory, Northern Manitoba)

Sources:

This page was prepared by Glen Toews.

Page revised: 22 October 2023

Historic Sites of Manitoba This is a collection of historic sites in Manitoba compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. The information is offered for historical interest only. SEARCH the collection Browse lists of: Museums/Archives | Buildings | Monuments | Cemeteries | Locations | Other Inclusion in this collection does not confer special status or protection. Official heritage designation may only come from municipal, provincial, or federal governments. Some sites are on private property and permission to visit must be secured from the owner. Site information is provided by the Manitoba Historical Society as a free public service only for non-commercial purposes. Send corrections and additions to this page to the MHS Webmaster at webmaster@mhs.mb.ca. Search Tips | Suggest an Historic Site | FAQ Help us keep history alive!