Born in the Scottish Highlands, Simpson joined the Hudson's Bay Company in 1820. In 1821 he became governor of the Northern Department, and in 1826 governor-in-chief in Rupert's Land. An energetic administrator with a passion for detail, Simpson dominated the North American fur trade for almost forty years. Under his direction the Company took a lead in exploration, and he personally travelled widely in the Company's territories. From 1833 till his death, he made his headquarters in Lachine and played a prominent role in the business life of Montreal. *Note: This designation has been identified for review. A review can be triggered for one of the following reasons - outdated language or terminology, absence of a significant layer of history, factual errors, controversial beliefs and behaviour, or significant new knowledge.