The European history of this area starts with the discovery of Hudson Bay in 1610. The area was recognized as important in the Fur trade and of potential importance for other discoveries.

This fort was started in 1717 by James Knight of the Hudson Bay Company and was originally called the "Churchill River Post". In 1719, the post was renamed Prince of Wales Fort. It was located on the west bank of the Churchill river to protect the Company's interests.

In 1731, the fort which survives today was started. It was located on Eskimo Point and was never truly completed. It had Forty-two cannons mounted on the walls with a battery across the river meant to hold six more cannons. In 1782 three French warships took over the Fort without a single shot being fired.

Sources

• (http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/transactions/3/princeofwalesfort.shtml)
• (http://www.pc.gc.ca/rech-srch/rslts_E.asp?qu=Prince+of+Wales+Fort&fp=y&Action=Go)

Forts in Canada | National Historic Sites of Canada