Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 15.djvu/27

Rh also mention the existence of elk and antelope in the country in those days. Ross continued in charge at Fort Okanogan until the spring of 1816. He was succeeded by Ross Cox, who was a very bright and highly educated young Irishman. To him was entrusted the rebuilding and remodeling of the fort. He goes into the matter in detail and has left us a very fair map of the immediate vicinity around the mouth of the Okanogan. We will copy only the following excerpts from his work in regard to the fort which he rebuilt as above stated in the summer of 1816:

The new establishment was built about a mile and a quarter southeast of the original post, and was situated on the bank of the Columbia so as to command the same. A few depressions where the old cellars were, constitute the only traces visible on the surface today. But some excavating would probably reveal much that would be interesting in the way of relics. Some of the buildings of the establishment were standing as late as the early sixties and a few old timers, both Indians and whites still living, are able to remember it. The ground where it stood is now included in Lot 7, Section 21, Township 30, N. Range 25, E. W. M.

By the time the new post had been built (1816) the place had become important as the gate-way to the New Caledonia country. It was here that the goods for the posts of that region were taken from the boats and transferred to the pack trains that were to carry the same over the Okanogan trail to Kamloops thence on to Fort Alexandria, where the transfer was made to boats or canoes again, the ultimate destination being Fort George, Fort St. James and the other trading stations of