Fort Severn refers to a specific geographic location and can have various meanings depending on the context. In most cases, Fort Severn refers to a First Nations reserve located in northwestern Ontario, Canada. The reserve, also known as Wasaho Cree Nation, is situated on the southern shore of Hudson Bay at the mouth of the Severn River. It is one of the most remote Indigenous communities in Ontario and is accessible primarily by aircraft or boat during the summer months, while an ice road connects it to the mainland during winter.
The term "Fort Severn" can also be used to denote the historical fur trading post that operated in the same area during the 18th and 19th centuries. Established in 1689, Fort Severn played a crucial role in the Hudson Bay Company's fur trade activities, serving as a trading hub and facilitating contact between European fur traders and the local Indigenous populations.
Additionally, "Fort Severn" may refer to Fort Severn, Maryland, a small unincorporated community located in Anne Arundel County, United States. This area is home to a U.S. Army installation called Fort George G. Meade, which houses several military intelligence agencies and is one of the largest employers in Maryland. It is also the location of the National Security Agency (NSA).
In summary, the term "Fort Severn" can have multiple meanings depending on the context, including a First Nations reserve in northwestern Ontario, a historical fur trading post, or a community in Maryland housing a U.S. Army installation.
