James Sinclair (fur trader)

These were both authorized by the HBC as a part of grandiose plans to strengthen British claims in the Oregon boundary dispute.

James Sinclair was appointed by Duncan Finlayson to guide the settler families to Fort Vancouver on the Columbia River.

Following the course of the Spray River valley, the intrepid British colonists then trekked along a tributary, Whiteman's Creek.

They entered the upper Columbia River basin via Sinclair Pass, near present-day Radium Hot Springs.

He also traveled to London where he petitioned Parliament on the rights of Métis for a free fur trade, which angered Governor Simpson.

In 1854, Sinclair led a second large group of Red River settlers on a secret journey to Fort Nez Percés.

Rupert's Land, before Treaty of 1818 , showing location of HBC headquarters York Factory
Map of the Oregon Country "jointly occupied" by the US and Britain, showing final portions of York Factory Express and Oregon Trail routes.