Alexander Mackenzie (explorer)
Alexander Mackenzie | |
|---|---|
1800 portrait by Sir Thomas Lawrence | |
| Born | c. 1764 Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland |
| Died | 12 March 1820 (aged 55–56) Dunkeld, Perthshire, Scotland |
| Occupation(s) | Explorer, fur trader |
| Known for | |
| Spouse |
Geddes Mackenzie (m. 1812) |
| Children | 3 |
| Parents |
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| Signature | |
Sir Alexander Mackenzie (c. 1764 – 12 March 1820) was a Scottish explorer and fur trader known for accomplishing the first crossing of North America north of Mexico by a European in 1793. The Mackenzie River and Mount Sir Alexander are named after him.
As a leading member of the North West Company, he aspired to extend the Company's operations into western Canada and selling those furs in China. His hopes thus were intrusions on the monopoly positions of both the Hudson's Bay Company and the East India Company.