David Thompson, Explorer

Lewis and Clark, Alexander Mackenzie and James Cook are recorded in the history books as the great explorers of the Northwest. Each has been recognized for their accomplishments, but few people know the name of David Thompson.

For a man who contributed as much as he did to the building of a nation, it is hard to believe he is not more recognized for his achievements. David Thompson covered more ground in one year than some people do in a lifetime, and he did it all by canoe. Using only a sextant and a compass for navigation, David Thompson mapped over 3.9 million square kilometers. In doing so, he filled in the blank spaces of what would become a country called Canada.

David Thompson’s “great map” of the Northwest was the foundation for the North West Company; his work in 1797 contributed to the international boundary that would be established along the 49th parallel. As an early explorer, David Thompson is unrivaled in his accomplishments, but the fact remains he is virtually unknown to Canadians, and he never received the attention of his contemporaries.

David Thompson’s life was one of adventure, hardship and tragedy. The circumstance of his final years did not allow him to complete his journals, and it has been left for historians to piece his story together. A number of books have been attempted and one that remains in print is “Sources of the River” from Jack Nesbit. The book is based on personal field notes from David Thompson as the author follows his trail across the Northwest. For anyone with an interest in the history of Canada, “Sources of the River” is a remarkable journey and compelling story of “the greatest land geographer who ever lived.”