Grand Portage

Just six miles south of the Canadian border in northeastern Minnesota sits the Grand Portage National Historic Site.  A fort was built here during the 1700's.  It was used by the Ojibwe tribe and the British North West Company for the fur trading business.  The Great Hall was the center of activity during the annual meetings of the North West Company.  The kitchen was located next door.  An upright timber barricade surrounded the fort.

The name Grand Portage comes from the 8.5 mile land passage that the fur traders made between this fort and Fort Charlotte to the west.  Between these two forts flows the Pidgeon River and at the point where the river empties into Lake Superior there are many waterfalls and rapids.  Skirting around these obstacles by using a land pathway seemed logical (and somewhat easier).  Thus, the grand portage was put into use.  Today the reconstructed fort tells of the history of the fur trading industry during the 1700's and the contributions of both the Ojibwe people and the British.  This historical park is under the supervision of the National Park Service and it is free for all to enjoy.