Kootenay National Park of Canada
National Historic Sites
The National Historic Sites component of Parks Canada is responsible for Canada's program of historical commemoration, which recognizes nationally significant places, persons and events. All such designations are made by the Minister of Canadian Heritage on the advice of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
People of National Historic Significance
Sir George Simpson - 1792-1860
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 until his death, he made his headquarters in Lachine and played a prominent role in the business life of Montreal.
The Sir George Simpson commemorative plaque is located along Highway 93 South in Kootenay National Park, approximately 56.7 km north of the town of Radium Hot Springs or 37.8 km south of the British Columbia - Alberta border.