 First Nations Dancers, Northern BC Tourism photo
Alexander Mackenzie and Simon FraserPresent-day Prince George evolved from a small trading post to the largest city in northern British Columbia. Alexander Mackenzie was the first explorer to travel through the area in 1793, but it was American explorer Simon Fraser who established the original fort in 1807, named Fort George for King George III. The Northwest Company operated Fort George and later merged with the Hudson's Bay trading company.
Growth of a Town Centre The Nechako and Fraser rivers were the main transportation routes through the early 1900s. Sternwheelers paddled the rivers, transporting people and goods from place to place. Fort George and the newly developing town of South Fort George boomed in 1909 as forestry became the main industry and sawmills were built. When the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway arrived in 1913, the Nechako and Fraser River junction became the new town center and was named Prince George. The Grand Trunk Pacific Railway Company chose the name, though it is unclear why Prince George was selected. Three reasons have been suggested: that it was named after King George III; that it would distinguish it from other similarly named nearby towns of Fort George and South Fort George; or thirdly, it was actually named for Prince George, the youngest brother of King George VI.
Modern History and AttractionsToday Prince George is an economic and transportation center in Northern BC. Its main industries are based around natural resources, and as a regional service center, Prince George is also a preferred place to shop and pick up supplies.
Visit the local museums and attractions, and discover Prince George through interpretive exhibits at Exploration Place, Huble Homestead, and the Prince George Railway & Forestry Museum.
Prince George also holds a number of festivals and events that celebrate the culture of this bustling Northern BC city.
Or, learn more about the Historic and Heritage sites in town.
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