Dictionary.net

chartered by Charles II. May 16, 1670, for the "discovery of a new passage to the South Sea, and for the finding of some trade for furs, minerals and other considerable commodities." Adopting the suggestion of Sir Alexander Mackenzie, it combined with the Northwest Company in 1821, and obtained a more extensive charter. It was ever the most formidable rival of the United States as a claimant of the northwest regions. Despite the treaty of 1783, which granted that territory to the United States, the company persisted in making settlements, and, being on the disputed ground, it had the advantage of our Government. Every possible means was employed, and for a long time successfully, to prevent immigration from the States. The Selkirk settlement in Oregon was made in 1811-12, and later it was decided to seize and hold Oregon by force, turning over the Indians to the Jesuits and furnishing troops to protect the priests and repel intruders. The boundary settlement of 1846 finally excluded the company.