The Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) is the oldest commercial corporation in North America and one of the oldest in the world. The company was incorporated by British royal charter in 1670 as The Governor and Company of Adventurers of England trading into Hudson's Bay; it is now domiciled in Canada and has now legally adopted the more common shorter name. It was once the de facto government in parts of North America before European-based colonies and states. It was at one time the largest landowner in the world, with Rupert's Land being over 15% of North America. From its longtime-headquarters at York Factory on Hudson Bay, it controlled the fur trade throughout much of British-controlled North America for several centuries, undertaking early exploration. Its traders and trappers forged early relationships with many groups of First Nations/Native Americans and its network of trading posts formed the nucleus for later official authority in many areas of Western Canada and the United States.... More • http://en.wikipedia. ... ay_Company View • Books • Images • Videos • Search Related • Canada • Enlightenment • Exploration • Great Britain • HBC • Institutions • All Events • 17th Century