The
York Factory Express, usually called
"the Express" and also called the
Columbia Express and
the Communication, was a
fur brigade operated by the
Hudson's Bay Company in the early 19th century connecting
York Factory and
Fort Vancouver. It was named "express" because it was not used only to transport furs and supplies but also to quickly move departmental reports and letters. It was the main overland connection between the
Columbia Department and the Hudson's Bay Company's headquarters at York Factory (bulk cargo from England to the Columbia Department was shipped by sea around South America). The express brigade was known as the York Factory Express on its eastbound journey in the spring, and as the Columbia Express or
Autumn Express on its westbound journey in the fall. The same route was used in both cases. Its length was about . To expedite messages the express messengers would often speed ahead of the main bodies carrying supplies and furs.