David Thompson was a 19-century surveyor, cartographer, astronomer, fur trader, military supplier and farmer. A jack of all trades and master of every one.
Hungry for adventure, Thompson sought work with the Northwest Bay Company. There, he mapped, and sometimes moved, all trading posts to ensure they were above the 49th parallel during border negotiations with the United States. He searched for, and discovered, a trading route to the Pacific Ocean from the Rocky Mountains.
Thompson's primary method of travel was canoe, which he was often forced to carry for several kilometers when no routes were available.
In retirement, Thompson created a map of the western side of the Rocky Mountains. It was the first time this had been properly done. Thompson's maps were made using science and math. While the work of other mappers was often incorrect, Thompson's was near perfect. At a time when other maps were vague, Thompson's maps included information on natural resources, forests and wildlife.
Through grit and perseverance, Thompson mapped tens of thousands of kilometers, spending several months in the wilderness without a roof over his head. He was a fearless Canadian who never received a proper pat on the back.
