Voyages from Montreal Through the Continent of North America (Vol. 1&2)


Book Description

Voyages from Montreal Through the Continent of North America to the Frozen and Pacific Oceans in 1789 and 1793 is an account of explorations and expeditions taken by a famous Scottish explorer Alexander Mackenzie. In 1789 he took, what later became known, as Mackenzie River expedition to the Arctic Ocean. Thinking that it would lead to Cook Inlet in Alaska, Mackenzie set out by canoe on the river known to the local people as the Dehcho on 3 July 1789. On 14 July he reached the Arctic Ocean, rather than the Pacific. Ironically he called the waterway "the River Disappointment," since the river did not prove to be the Northwest Passage, as he had hoped. The river later came to be known as the Mackenzie River in his honor. Mackenzie returned to Canada in 1792, set out once again to find a route to the Pacific, what he managed in the summer of 1973. Having done this, he had completed the first recorded transcontinental crossing of North America north of Mexico, 12 years before Lewis and Clark.




Voyages from Montreal Through the Continent of North America


Book Description

Alexander Mackenzie's 'Voyages from Montreal Through the Continent of North America' is a detailed account of his exploratory journey through the uncharted territories of North America in the late 18th century. Mackenzie's narrative is characterized by its precise observations and engaging storytelling, providing readers with a vivid portrayal of the landscapes, people, and challenges encountered on his travels. This book is considered a seminal work in early Canadian exploration literature, offering valuable insights into the historical context of the time and the vastness of the North American continent. It serves as a primary source for scholars studying the exploration and colonization of the region. Alexander Mackenzie, a Scottish explorer and fur trader, embarked on these expeditions to expand his knowledge of the unknown lands in North America and to establish trade routes for the fur industry. His firsthand experiences and keen observations informed the writing of this book, making it an invaluable resource for understanding the exploratory endeavors of the period. I highly recommend 'Voyages from Montreal Through the Continent of North America' to readers interested in early Canadian history, exploration narratives, and the impact of European colonization on indigenous populations. Mackenzie's account is both informative and captivating, providing a unique perspective on the challenges and discoveries of the time.







First Across the Continent


Book Description

Chronicles the perils and triumphs of the intrepid Scotsman who explored Canada's northwestern wilderness










First Crossing


Book Description

First Crossing recounts an adventure of epic proportions -- in equal parts romantic, historically significant and compelling. It is the story of Canada's most famous explorer, Alexander Mackenzie, who in 1793 became the first person to cross the continent of North America north of Mexico. With a mix of wonderfully readable text, historical and contemporary photographs, and archival maps and illustrations, here is fresh insight into what drove Mackenzie to undertake his dramatic and dangerous quest for the Pacific Ocean, and how his daring secured Canada's legacy.