Beatton River

The area around the river is the homeland of the Dunneza or Beaver First Nation . Archaeologists have found evidence of human habitation in the area dating back at least 10,000 years. The mouth of the Beatton River was the location of modern-day British Columbia's first European settlement, the Fur Trading post of Fort St. John, established by the North West Company in 1806. As such, the river became an important route for First Nations people in their trading relationship with the Europeans. The present community of Fort St. John is situated to the west of the original site.

The river, originally called the "North Pine" is named for Frank Beatton (1863-1944), the manager of the Hudson's Bay Company post in the early twentieth century, who Homesteaded by the river.

EXTERNAL LINKS

Beatton River Provincial Park is located at the confluence of the Beatton and Peace Rivers.

''The History of Fort St. John'' provides this excellent history of First Nations habitation along the Beatton River.

''Frank Beatton: The Bridge Between Fur and Farm'' offers insight into the life of the man for whom the river is named, and the transitional history of the region in the early twentieth century.

Information About

Beatton River