Pivotal Events Timeline ... 1700 - 1799 The World 1783: The United States of America gain independence from Britain after a long military struggle. Canada 1759: The Battle of the Plains of Abraham effectively gives Britain control of the territory of New France. A treaty in 1763 formally cedes the territory. Manitoba 1760: Exploration of southern Manitoba is undertaken by both the Hudson Bay Co. and the Northwest Co. with the beginnings of Fur Trade Posts near Souris Mouth and Hartney beginning in the 1760 - 90’s. Arden and the R.M. of Lansdowne 1738 The closest fur trade post serving the Argyle region was in near present day Portage where LaVerendrye built a Fort as early as 1738.