Pierre-Chrysologue Pambrun

rdf:langString Pierre-Chrysologue Pambrun

rdf:langString Pierre Chrysologue Pambrun (1792 – 1841) was a French Canadian militia officer and later a fur trader in the service of the Hudson's Bay Company. Pambrun fought against the United States in the War of 1812, in particular the Battle of the Châteauguay. He joined the HBC during a time of turmoil with its competitors, the North West Company. After the Battle of Seven Oaks, he was among those held captive by men employed by the NWC. With the merger of the NWC and the HBC during 1821, Pambrun was sent to the Pacific Northwest. He was first stationed in the New Caledonia District, and in 1832 was put in charge of Fort Nez Percés, a vital station placed among the Walla Walla. Over time Pambrun strengthened relations with the neighboring Sahaptin nations through fair treatment and joining in on seasonal animal hunts. In addition to its use by the HBC, Fort Nez Percés would become an important stopping point for American migrants following the Oregon Trail. When ABCFM missionaries Marcus Whitman and Henry H. Spalding arrived in the area to proselytize among the Sahaptins, Pambrun helped them select Waiilatpu for a mission post. Pambrun gained the distinction of becoming the sole French-Canadian promoted to the rank of Chief Trader in the Columbia Department. While riding a horse in 1841, Pambrun became grievously injured in an accident and died four days later.