Fort Hope was built in 1848-49 on the traditional territory of the Chawithil First Nation, and became the town of
Hope, British Columbia. According to a despatch from Governor Douglas, Fort Hope is a small post located near the mouth of the Coquihalla River and above the Tchae-tse-sum River. Fort Hope was known for its trail which was used often by the Hudson's Bay Company for transport.1
The construction of Fort Hope was due to the economic developments and international
relations that arose from the 1846 boundary settlement. It served as a transfer point for goods being brought up the
Fraser River from Fort Langley then to Kamloops and Alexandria. Although, this system only lasted until the 1860s due to the the new construction of roads prompted by gold discoveries.2
The site of Fort Hope is preserved as a heritage site due to its contribution as an
element that opened a way into interior BC.3