Anthony Henday one of first Europeans to explore Canadian northwest

On today’s date in 1754, Anthony Henday became one of the first Europeans to arrive in present-day Edmonton, Alta.

In 1988, Canada Post featured Henday on a 37-cent stamp (Scott 1199) in its Exploration of Canada series. Designed by Frederick Hagan, the stamp depicts Henday on the grasslands of the Canadian northwest.

Exploration of Canada’s western interior by Henday (1754-1755 in green), Samuel Hearne (1770-1772 in red) and Henry Kelsey (1690-1692 in purple).

As new equipment allowed for more efficient exploration throughout the 18th century, Henday traversed the Hayes River, across the prairies in Saskatchewan, to reach the site in Alberta. He is considered one of the first Europeans to explore the Canadian northwestern interior.