Company pushed westward in the late 18th century in an attempt to reach the Pacific Ocean, creating rivalry with the other major fur-trading company, the Hudson's Bay Company. Timeline 1792: Alexander MacKenzie established Fort Fork on the eastern bank of Peace River just south of its confluence with the Smoky River. 1818, the HBC opens the first Fort St. Mary's at the forks of the Peace and the Smoky, it lasted for only one season 1820, the HBC built Fort St. Mary's III on the west side of the Peace River, directly across from the mouth of the Heart River (in the present day Town of Peace River). This was the third and final relocation of Fort St. Mary's 1886: The Anglican Church sets up the first mission on Shaftesbury Trail. 1888: The Roman Catholic Church sets up St. Augustine mission on Shaftesbury Trail. 1898: The North-West Mounted Police make a permanent post at Peace River Crossing. 1909: The townsite of Peace River is first surveyed. 1914: Peace River Landing Settlement is incorporated as the Village of Peace River Crossing on June 2. 1914: Peace River's first hospital, the Irene Cottage Hospital, opens 1910-1916: Railway reaches the area and settlers begin colonizing the valley. 1916: Village of Peace River Crossing is renamed the Village of Peace River on May 22. 1919: Village of Peace River is incorporated as the Town of Peace River on December 1. 1926-1931: The population continues to grow as the Great Depression took hold of Saskatchewan and Southern Alberta Historical sites and architecture The Northern Alberta Railway (NAR) station was built in 1916 by the Central Canada Railway. It served as a major hub of activity from 1916 to 1956 for passengers. The station was continued for use for freight and the station was closed in 1981. The NAR station suffered a fire in 1986. It was restored back to its former state in 1991, costing nearly $300,000 to complete. It currently houses the Tourist Information Centre in Peace River. It is located on 94 Avenue block of 100 Street next to the railway tracks that cross through Peace River. The NAR station was used again as a railway station for first time in about 30 years by passengers when the Alberta Prairie Steam Tours, owners of the passenger cars, sent eight coaches to Peace River in September 2006, thereby enabling riders to travel like the