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James Mackay was born in
Arichliney, Parish of Kildonan, County of Sutherland, in the far north
Highlands of Scotland. He was the 18th Century’s most experienced
explorer of North American Rivers.
Mackay was a Clerk in the
Canadian Fur Trade, Fur Trader, Explorer and Map Maker. Using Mackay’s
notes Antoine Soulard a Spanish Territory Official and good friend of
Mackay made a map in 1795 showing Mackay’s trip from the Saskatchewan
River in Canada weaving through the Rocky Mountains and ending at the
gap in the Mountains and the area of the Yellowstone River.
James Mackay was the
first person to write of the river he called “Rochejaune” meaning
“Yellowstone” when he was working in the Canadian Fur Trade. It is still
today known as the Yellowstone River and runs through what became
America’s first national park – The Yellowstone National Park.
James Mackay was the
author of the most complete Missouri River Map used by the Lewis and
Clark Expedition. With his map and instructions they were directed to
the gap which allowed them to cross the Rocky Mountains.
Mackay was employed by
the Spanish and became Captain-Commandant of the District of St. Charles
which covered all the areas west of the Missouri River to the Rocky
Mountains. His employment ended with the Territories purchase by the
United States.
James Mackay was the
beloved husband of Elizabeth Louise Long, known to historians as
Isabella L. Mackay. They were the parents of 9 children. He was a
Missouri Judge and Missouri State Legislator.
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