One of Canada’s most
steadfast explorers, but one
of the lesser known, James
Anderson arrived in Canada in
1831 to spend his entire
working life in the service
of the Hudson’s Bay Company
(HBC). Anderson not only
transformed the landscape he
explored, he was dramatically

shaped by it. This Community
Memories exhibit, “Exploring
James Anderson: A Journey
through the Adventurous Life
of a Company Man,” draws on a
range of media to bring the
story of this unheralded
explorer to life.
   Beginning his career as
an apprentice clerk, James

crisscrossed the country,
steadily rising through the
HBC ranks along the way. He
was eventually promoted to
chief trader in 1847 and
finally to chief factor in
1856.
   James Anderson was
trustworthy, resilient and
dutiful, qualities that did

not go unnoticed by his
superiors and peers. In 1854
he was chosen to lead an
expedition in search of lost
British explorer John
Franklin. Although Anderson
failed to locate Franklin and
his doomed crew, he
nevertheless proved his
mettle and was awarded the