The first trading post on lake Melville, Hamilton Inlet, Labrador, was erected by the French in 1734 on or near the site of the present North West River post. In 1785 a Quebec Fur Trading Co. established a post at the outlet of lake Melville adjacent to site of present Rigolette. It was situated at the eastern limit of the grant to De Courtemanche as extended in 1702 to include the coast from Brest to Hamilton Inlet. Trade was principally with the Esquimaux.

The Hudson's Bay Co. erected their fort at Rigolette in 1834-35 and in 1837 bought out their competitors. The North West Co. does not appear to have been established on lake Melville. Rigolette was called also Hamilton Inlet and Esquimaux Bay Fort. It is in operation at present. Shown on map No. 24 and 61.