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Barry Gough on The Explorers

Welcome to The Explorers, a podcast series by Barry Gough, where we bring to life the daring adventures of the pioneers who charted the unknown territories of Canada. In this special episode, we delve into the legacies of four monumental figures in the history of exploration: James Cook, Alexander Mackenzie, Simon Fraser, and David Thompson. These men, each in their own way, carved pathways through the vast and uncharted landscapes of North America. James Cook’s voyages laid the groundwork for European knowledge of the Pacific Northwest, while Alexander Mackenzie’s epic journey across the continent to the Pacific set the stage for further exploration and expansion. Simon Fraser braved the turbulent waters of the river that now bears his name, and David Thompson’s meticulous mapping of the interior of Canada provided an unparalleled understanding of the continent’s vast wilderness. Join us as Barry Gough expertly weaves together the stories of these explorers, whose combined efforts opened up new worlds and left an indelible mark on the history of Canada. Through their triumphs and challenges, we gain insight into the relentless spirit of exploration that defined an era and forever changed the course of a nation.

Coming in February of 2025

Alexander Mackenzie
Welcome to The Explorers, a podcast series by Barry Gough, where we bring to life the daring adventures of the pioneers who charted the unknown territories of Canada. In this episode, we turn our focus to one of the most iconic figures in Canadian history, Alexander Mackenzie.
Simon Fraser
Barry Gough takes us through the twists and turns of Fraser’s epic voyage. This episode captures the spirit of a true explorer, whose determination and bravery opened up new frontiers and left a lasting legacy in the annals of Canadian history. Join us as we retrace the steps of Simon Fraser.
David Thompson
Barry Gough guides us through the incredible achievements of David Thompson, a man whose maps became the foundation for future explorers and settlers. This episode celebrates the life of a pioneering spirit whose legacy as the greatest land geographer in Canadian history remains unmatched.
James Cook
Barry Gough brings to life the incredible achievements of James Cook, a captain whose voyages into the unknown opened up new worlds and forever altered the course of history. Join us as we sail alongside James Cook, the explorer who navigated the edge of the world and returned with knowledge that would shape the destiny of nations.
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In 1850, the colony of Vancouver Island was a nascent settlement with promising potential, situated along the rugged west coast of North America. The year marked the arrival of its first governor, Richard Blanshard, appointed by the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) which held the trading rights to the region. Blanshard's appointment was met with anticipation, as he was tasked with establishing a functioning colonial administration and fostering economic growth. However, his tenure was fraught with conflict, particularly with the powerful Hudson's Bay Company. Blanshard found himself at odds with the company's dominance over trade and land allocation, as he aimed to promote settlement and encourage private enterprise. The tensions escalated as Blanshard struggled to assert his authority and fulfill his responsibilities, eventually leading to his resignation in 1851. While his time as governor was short-lived, Blanshard's struggles highlighted the complexities of colonial governance and the delicate balance between administrative authority and corporate interests during this pivotal period in the history of Vancouver Island.

In Barry Gough's insightful analysis of the arrival of Governor Richard Blanshard, the embryonic colony of Vancouver Island in 1850 emerges as a focal point of historical significance. Gough delves into the intricacies of Blanshard's appointment as Governor and the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) participation, an event that initially held great promise for the fledgling settlement on the Pacific coast. As Gough adeptly explores, Blanshard's governorship was marked by a complex interplay of factors, including the clash of administrative ambitions and the formidable presence of the HBC. In his meticulous examination, Gough illuminates the pivotal moments of conflict and tension between Blanshard and the Hudson's Bay Company, shedding light on the intricate dynamics that shaped the trajectory of Vancouver Island's early colonial history. In this multi-part podcast series about Governor Blanshard, Part I is an overview of the situation.

Timeline

    James Cook (1728–1779)

  • 1728: Born on October 27 in Marton, England.
  • 1755: Joins the Royal Navy, beginning a career that would make him one of history's greatest explorers.
  • 1768–1771: Leads his first voyage of discovery aboard HMS Endeavour, exploring the Pacific and charting New Zealand and Australia's eastern coastline.
  • 1772–1775: Commands his second voyage aboard HMS Resolution to search for the hypothetical southern continent, reaching the Antarctic Circle and mapping many Pacific islands.
  • 1776–1779: Undertakes his third voyage aboard HMS Resolution, seeking a Northwest Passage. He explores the Pacific Northwest of North America, including Nootka Sound (modern-day British Columbia).
  • 1779: Dies on February 14 during a conflict with Hawaiians at Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii.


    • Alexander Mackenzie (1764–1820)

  • 1764: Born on March 28 in Stornoway, Scotland.
  • 1774: Emigrates to North America with his family, settling in New York and later Montreal.
  • 1789: Leads an expedition to find a route to the Arctic Ocean via the Mackenzie River. His party becomes the first Europeans to travel the river, which he names the "River of Disappointment" because it did not lead to the Pacific.
  • 1793: Becomes the first European to cross the North American continent north of Mexico, reaching the Pacific Ocean via the Fraser River (though initially mistaking it for another river).
  • 1801: Publishes Voyages from Montreal, detailing his explorations and solidifying his reputation as a trailblazing explorer.
  • 1820: Dies on March 12 in Scotland.

    • Simon Fraser (1776–1862)

  • 1776: Born on May 20 in Mapletown, New York.
  • 1784: Moves to Canada with his Loyalist family following the American Revolutionary War.
  • 1792: Joins the North West Company as an apprentice clerk.
  • 1805–1808: Establishes several trading posts in what is now British Columbia, including Fort McLeod and Fort St. James.
  • 1808: Leads an expedition down the river that now bears his name, the Fraser River, reaching the Pacific Ocean. Despite the treacherous journey, his mapping was critical to opening the region for fur trade.
  • 1862: Dies on August 18 in St. Andrews, Canada West (modern-day Ontario).

    • David Thompson (1770–1857)

  • 1770: Born on April 30 in Westminster, England.
  • 1784: Arrives in Canada as a 14-year-old apprentice with the Hudson’s Bay Company.
  • 1797: Leaves the Hudson’s Bay Company and joins the North West Company, where he focuses on surveying and mapping.
  • 1807: Establishes Kootenae House, the first trading post in what is now British Columbia.
  • 1808–1811: Explores the Columbia River basin extensively, mapping routes and establishing trade connections.
  • 1814: Completes a detailed map of western Canada and the northwestern United States, considered one of the most accurate maps of the time.
  • 1857: Dies on February 10 in Longueuil, Canada East (modern-day Quebec).

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Reference: Article by Barry Gough (Staff Historian), 2025

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