Employment with the Hudson’s Bay Company brought Peter Fidler from his birthplace in Bolsover to York Factory in 1788. Serving as a labourer, clerk, surveyor, and map-maker, he contributed extensive data to regional topography. His career spanned decades of westward movement, during which he established multiple trading posts and documented vast territories across the wilderness.
Early Career and Exploration
After arriving at York Factory, Fidler moved to Manchester House and South Branch House. In 1790, he transferred to Cumberland House, where Philip Turnor provided training in astronomy and surveying. During this period, he joined an expedition searching for a western route to the Pacific Ocean via Lake Athabaska and Great Slave Lake. Although the river path proved nonexistent, the cartographic information collected by Fidler was later incorporated into charts produced by Aaron Arrowsmith.
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Fidler’s activities included the creation of several frontier houses. In 1795, he assisted Charles Thomas Isham in building Carlton House on the Assiniboine River. Later, he established Bolsover House and Greenwich House in 1799, followed by Chesterfield House in 1800 and Nottingham House in 1802. At Chesterfield House, he managed the collection of maps detailing Blackfoot Confederacy territory, assisted in his travels by Joseph Lewis.
Conflict and Final Years
Professional rivalry often disrupted his operations. In 1806, persistent pressure from Samuel Black of the North West Company forced Fidler to abandon Nottingham House. Later, while serving as a district manager at Brandon House between 1814 and 1819, the facility was plundered by men involved in the Battle of Seven Oaks. Fidler died in 1822 at Fort Dauphin.
Fast facts
- Born: 1769, Bolsover
- Died: 1822, Fort Dauphin
- Occupations: Cartographer, explorer, surveying engineer, fur trader
- Notable Recognition: Person of National Historic Significance
- Spouse: Mary (Methwewin) Mackagonne
- Number of children: 14
Questions readers ask
What specific regions did Peter Fidler map?
He mapped areas west of Lake Winnipegosis and regions throughout the Upper Missouri, contributing data that influenced maps of the era.
What happened to the fund mentioned in his will?
His will established a fund for his descendants, but it could not be located as of 1946.
Achievements
- Person of National Historic Significance
- Recorded as explorer, cartographer and surveying engineer
