Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket

A 355-Year-Old Company That Once Owned One-Third of Canada Is Shutting Down

Bargain hunters picked over what was left at the Hudson’s Bay Company’s remaining stores, part of a vast empire that was North America’s oldest company. Read Article.

---

The Hudson's Bay blanket is an iconic textile with a history deeply intertwined with the colonial fur trade, Indigenous economies, and British imperial expansion. Its distinctive multi-stripe design and durable wool construction have made it a symbol of Canadian heritage, though its origins and legacy are complex.

The History of the Hudson’s Bay Blanket

The Hudson’s Bay blanket is one of the most enduring symbols of the fur trade and British colonial enterprise in North America. Known for its distinctive multi-colored stripes and durable wool construction, it has been both a practical trade good and a cultural icon for over two centuries.

Hudson’s Bay Point

The Blanket: An Illustrated History of the Hudson's Bay Point Blanket.

Buy on Amazon

Origins in the Fur Trade

The Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) was established in 1670 by royal charter under King Charles II, primarily to control and profit from the lucrative fur trade in North America. By the late 18th century, the company began trading English-manufactured wool blankets in exchange for beaver pelts and other animal furs with Indigenous communities.

The earliest record of the Hudson’s Bay point blanket dates to 1779. These blankets were produced in Witney, Oxfordshire, England, a town renowned for its high-quality woolen goods. The blankets were designed to withstand harsh northern climates, making them a desirable commodity for both Indigenous trappers and European settlers.

Jessica via Flickr // CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 | Jessica via Flickr // CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The “Point” System

The term “point blanket” comes from the small black lines or “points” woven into the edge of each blanket. These points indicated the size and value of the blanket, which was useful in trade—particularly since many traders and customers could not read numerals. Contrary to some myths, the points did not represent the number of beaver pelts required for trade.

The Iconic Stripe Pattern

The most recognized version of the Hudson’s Bay blanket features a bold striped pattern in green, red, yellow, and indigo on a white background. This multi-stripe design appeared around 1800 and became synonymous with the company.

The significance of the colors is not definitively known. Some believe they reference the regimental colors of British military units, while others argue they were chosen for their vivid visibility and appeal in the marketplace.

Photos from DCW Design. Read & See More.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Production and Materials

Traditionally made from 100% wool, Hudson’s Bay blankets were valued for their warmth, water resistance, and long-lasting durability. These qualities made them well suited for the cold and damp conditions of the northern wilderness. The wool was originally sourced from sheep in England, and later from Canada and New Zealand.

Role in Indigenous Trade and Life

These blankets were a key item in the fur trade economy. Indigenous peoples traded furs for blankets, and the blankets themselves became important elements of daily and ceremonial life in many communities. They were used as clothing, bedding, and status items.

However, this trade relationship was also embedded in a broader context of colonialism, with devastating consequences. While not directly linked to the use of disease-laden blankets (as seen in British military actions elsewhere), the fur trade and its associated goods were nonetheless part of a system that contributed to Indigenous displacement, cultural disruption, and economic dependency.

Symbol of Canadian Identity

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Hudson’s Bay blanket transformed from a utilitarian trade item into a national symbol. It became a staple in homes and cabins and was promoted as part of the "Canadian wilderness experience."

The blanket was rebranded in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as a fashion and lifestyle product. In 2009, HBC used the iconic stripes in official Olympic merchandise for Team Canada, solidifying its place in Canadian popular culture.

Legacy and Reappraisal

Today, the Hudson’s Bay blanket is viewed through a more complex lens. It is cherished by many for its craftsmanship and historical significance, yet it also serves as a reminder of the colonial past and the profound impacts of the fur trade on Indigenous communities.

As Canada continues to reckon with its history, objects like the Hudson’s Bay blanket are increasingly seen not just as cultural artifacts, but also as symbols that require thoughtful interpretation and contextual understanding.