Alexander Mackenzie (explorer)

Sir Alexander Mackenzie
Bornc. 1764
Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland
Died12 March 1820 (aged 55–56)
Dunkeld, Perthshire, Scotland
Occupation(s)Explorer, fur trader
Known for
Spouse
Geddes Mackenzie
(m. 1812)
Children3
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 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.[1]

  1. ^ Sheppe. First Man West. pp. 294–295.