10-13000 BC - First evidence of nomadic hunters entering Manitoba from the south-west. Developing grasslands in south provided abundant hunting territory.

4-5000 BC - Origins of forest dwellers in eastern and northern Canadian Shield. Necessary diversification in lifestyles developing due to demanding environment.

Approximately1500 BC - Evidence of Alaskan nomads (Early Inuit descendants) passing along shores of Hudson Bay.

Approximately 500 BC - Evidence of early trade among early peoples. Copper from Lake Superior, pipestone from Minnesota, shell from the Gulf of Mexico, volcanic glass from Wyoming, flint from N. Dakota.

Approximately 1100 AD - First indications of agriculture. Native Manitobans seeded corn along the banks of the Red River, north of Winnipeg.

15-1600 - Changing climate hampers growth of native corn varieties. Natives gradually return to hunting, fishing and trapping.

1612 - First European sets foot in Manitoba. Capt. Thomas Button winters 2 ships at Port Nelson, near the mouths of the Nelson and Hayes Rivers.

1670 - King Charles II of England grants sovereignty over large part of continent to "the Governor &CO. of Adventurers of England Trading into Hudsons Bay" or the Hudsons Bay Company.

1690-1691 - Henry Kelsey explores Northern Manitoba from Hudson Bay to Saskatchewan River, near the Pas.

1731-1771 - Building of Fort Prince of Wales at the mouth of the Churchill River by British. Captured and badly damaged by French in 1782.

1783 - Construction of Fort Churchill by HBC. In continuous use by the Company until 1933.

1811 - Lord Selkirk establishes first agricultural settlement.

1816 - Governor Robert Semple and 19 colonists were killed in battle with Metis at Seven Oaks. Dispute over changing lifestyles along the Red River.

1869 - HBC relinquishes Western Canadian territory to Canadian Government for $300,000. Lack of consideration to Metis concerns leads to Louis Riel's establishment of provisional government in December 1869.

1870 - Delegated of Riel's government negotiates with federal government joins Confederation. Called the "Postage Stamp" province (1/18 current size.)

1912 - Final boundary change (North 60º) completes current Manitoba size.