Gateway to Northwestern Ontario Digital Collections

Remains of the Wolseley Transports of 1870

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Creator

Evans, Photographer

Media Type

Image

Item Type

Photographs

Description

Remains of the York boats used to transport Colonel Garnet Wolseley and his troops from Prince Arthur's Landing (later called Port Arthur) to the Red River Settlement at Fort Garry. Troops followed a water route up the Kaministiquia River to lakes Shebandowan and Kashabowie, Lac des Mille Lacs, and Lake of the Woods. Forty-seven portages along the way forced soldiers and guides to push, pull and carry boats that weighed 700 to 900 pounds each. In addition to the boats, troops carried field guns, ammunition, tools, sails and enough food supplies to last 60 days. Wolseley and his men left Prince Arthur's landing on July 1st 1870 and arrived in Fort Garry on August 23rd. Throughout their journey they endured sweltering heat, torrential rains, mud and relentless black-flies. They arrived in Fort Garry to learn that Riel had fled, hours before.

Date of Original

~1870

Subject(s)