Prince of Wales Fort, National historic fort in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
Prince of Wales Fort is a stone fortification on the western shore of Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba, built with four corner bastions and a square layout measuring roughly 100 meters (330 feet) on each side. The structure sits on a flat peninsula where the Churchill River meets the bay, offering open views across the water and surrounding tundra.
The Hudson's Bay Company began building the stone structure in 1731 to protect the fur trade and defend against French attacks in the region. Forty years later, defenders surrendered without resistance to French ships that partially destroyed the unfinished fortification before abandoning it again.
The name honors the title held by the future King George IV when the fort represented British trading authority. Visitors today can spot stone carvings left by workers who etched their initials into the walls during decades of construction.
Access requires a boat ride across the river, as the fort sits opposite Churchill with no road connection to the town. Visitors should bring warm clothing, as wind and cold remain noticeable even in summer, and always follow guidance from park wardens on site.
The cannons at the fort were never fired in battle, even though they pointed toward potential attackers approaching from the water. Most of the guns still lie on the ground where French conquerors toppled them over.
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