Alexander Mackenzie Reaches the Pacific

Introduction

Sir Alexander Mackenzie
Born 1764, died 1820

Alexander Mackenzie, fur trader and explorer, is credited with being the first European to cross the north part of North America by land. He was a clever businessman who wanted to expand the fur trade across the continent of North America. The results of his two expeditions did this, but not until after he had died.

Alexander Mackenzie Copyright/Source

Not a Fan of Canada! Mackenzie once told a friend, "I think it unpardonable in any man to remain in this country who can afford to leave it."

Struzik, Ed. The Northwest Passage: The Quest for an Arctic Route to the East. Toronto: Key Porter Books, ©1991, p. 59.