Built by Peter Pond in 1778 on west bank of Athabaska river about 30 miles from lake Athabaska. It was known as the "Old Establishment" or "Old Pond Fort" for years. It was the first and only fort in that region until 1785, when Fort Chipewyan was first built. For many years it was an important establishment of the North West Co. Thompson visited the post in 1804. It is shown on Rinfret map (No. 3) and Turner's map 1790 (No. 106). shows it on the east bank of the river.