ACTIVITY TWO: Fort Kamloops: Where would YOU put it?

• A contour map of your local area with historical Native settlements on it (if you don't have any, ask your teacher to suggest two sites).

When John Tod chose the site for Fort Kamloops, he had to take many things into consideration:

1. Would the site be easy to defend? Remember there were periods of unrest between the Native tribes (see Barrel of Gunpowder Incident) and trouble between the Natives and the white people (see Smallpox Vaccination Hoax).
2. Was it far enough from the river to avoid the spring and fall floods? The site Tod chose was on the flood plain, not far enough from the water.
3. Was there plenty of wood around to build it? There were no lumberyards or sawmills for John Tod; he had to cut down and shape each log with hand tools.
4. Was it close to food sources? Fort Kamloops was very dependent on the salmon in the Thompson River, which is why John Tod placed the fort so close to the river.
5. All water would have to be carried in buckets so the site must be near a water supply. Even though the people of the fur trade era in British Columbia did not bathe as frequently as we do, carrying water long distances is a chore that should be avoided.
6. The area around the Kamloops Valley was prone to forest fires every summer. It would probably be a good idea to place the fort in an area which could be kept clear of underbrush and away from dense forest stands.
7. Does the site have adequate grazing land for up to 300 cows and horses? In times of peace animals could be sent out to graze, but in times of trouble the animals should be close by the fort for protection.

1. Now it is your turn to pick a site for a fort. Take into consideration the things John Tod had to contend with. Remember you may have to deal with things he didn't have to worry about. Is your area prone to landslides or avalanches? Are you going to have to worry about tides and sunamis?
2. Discuss why you would or would not have had a fort in your area. Consider if gaining access to resources other than furs would be important.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify and clarify a problem, issue, or inquiry
2. Analyze relationships between development of communities and their available natural resources