Fort Vermilion

Fort Vermilion is a hamlet in northern Alberta, Canada, located on the banks of the Peace River. Established in 1788, it shares the title of oldest European settlement in Alberta with Fort Chipewyan. Fort Vermilion contains many modern amenities to serve its inhabitants as well as the surrounding rural community. It is the seat of the large Municipal District of Mackenzie No. 23. The hamlet is located in census division No. 17 and in the federal ... more

Fort Vermilion is a hamlet in northern Alberta, Canada, located on the banks of the Peace River. Established in 1788, it shares the title of oldest European settlement in Alberta with Fort Chipewyan. Fort Vermilion contains many modern amenities to serve its inhabitants as well as the surrounding rural community. It is the seat of the large Municipal District of Mackenzie No. 23. The hamlet is located in census division No. 17 and in the federal riding of Peace River. It is administered by Mackenzie MD. The area was inhabited by Dunneza (Beaver), Dene and later Cree first nations long before the arrival of European traders and settlers. Named for the vermilion colored clays lining the river banks, Fort Vermilion began as a trading community for the North West Company. The fort was established in 1788, following the expeditions of Alexander MacKenzie. Winter residents would trade furs with the native trappers, then send the furs by river during the summer to exchange points to the east... less