He chose the future Fort Simpson, which was named after him, not his uncle. By 1837 the American s had completely abandoned trying to trade on the north Coast. Central to this routing the Boston Men was the importance Simpson gave to coastal trading. The five dedicated ships of the HBC fleet were soon joined by the steamship Beaver . Sailing ships were unable to navigate the inside passage and up the headwaters of the intricate fjords as could the wood burning harbinger of the industrial revolution then fomenting in England.
Transportation is the key Of course all good stories come to an end.
Thus Sir George has to make another trip to North America in 1841-2. The Forts have to go. The Americans are gone. The Beaver was much more cost effective than maintaining year round forts. Close them .