Boothia island 163 mail

Boothia Island is a small island located in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, and it has a fascinating history related to the mail.

In 1631, the French explorer Pierre-Esprit Radisson and his brother-in-law, Médard des Groseilliers, were the first Europeans to visit Boothia Island. During their expedition, they left a cache of mail and supplies on the island, which was intended for the French explorer Samuel de Champlain, who was exploring the Hudson Bay region at the time.

The cache, which consisted of 163 letters and packages, was left on the island in 1631 and remained there for over 200 years, untouched and unopened. The cache was discovered in 1852 by the British explorer John Rae, who was on an expedition to the Arctic.

The cache is significant not only because of its historical importance but also because it provides a unique glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in the region during the 17th century. The letters and packages contain information about the daily lives of the French explorers, traders, and missionaries who were active in the region at the time.

Today, the cache is housed at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec, where it is considered one of the most important historical artifacts in the museum's collection.