McLoughlin, Dr. John National Historic Person
Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec
Portrait
(© Expired; Source: The Canadian Encyclopedia)
Address :
65 Hôtel-de-Ville Street, Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
1951-05-30
Life Date:
1784 to 1857
Other Name(s):
-
McLoughlin, Dr. John
(Designation Name)
Importance:
Chief factor in the Hudson's Bay Company (1821-46), known as "Father of Oregon"
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: In front of city hall on stone plinth 65 Hôtel-de-Ville Street, Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec
Born in Rivière-du-Loup, McLoughlin was a physician before joining the North West Company in 1806. In 1814 he became a wintering partner, and in 1820 led a group of dissident Nor'Westers seeking union with the Hudson's Bay Company. Although McLoughlin was ignored in the formal negotiations, he became a Chief Factor when the companies merged. He was placed in charge of the Columbia District and established his headquarters on the lower Columbia River where he spent the rest of his life. After retirement he remained in what became American territory, and is known as "the Father of Oregon".