David Thompson: The Man Who Looks at Stars

Introduction

David Thompson
Born 1770, died 1857

David Thompson in the Athabasca Pass, 1810 Copyright/Source

David Thompson is remembered most as a surveyor and map-maker, but he was also a fur trader, explorer, justice of the peace, businessman and author. He is considered one of the most important geographers in the history of North America. During his life, he mapped almost four and a half million square kilometres.

Eager Beaver
The Hudson's Bay Company used to send a suit of clothes to each employee once he had finished his apprenticeship. Thompson received both a suit of clothes and a set of surveying instruments.

	Thompson measured the latitude and longitude everywhere he went so the Native people nicknamed him "The Man Who Looks at Stars".