Albert Johnson - Blog Posts

In 1931, the arrival of a man claiming to be named Albert Johnson stirred intrigue in the secluded town of Fort McPherson, Canada. Setting up a solitary cabin near the Rat River, he ventured into the life of a trapper, seemingly embracing the solitude of the wilderness. However, suspicions arose when fellow trappers accused Johnson of sabotaging their traps, prompting the authorities to investigate.

As they approached Johnson’s remote abode with a search warrant, shots pierced through the wooden door, instigating a fierce exchange of gunfire. Johnson skillfully held off the authorities, confining himself within the cabin for nine tense days. 

Yet, on New Year’s Eve, an RCMP posse arrived, determined to bring him to justice. What ensued was a harrowing 15-hour standoff in subzero temperatures, defined by the desperate use of dynamite to decimate the cabin. To their astonishment, the authorities discovered Johnson standing amidst the wreckage, armed with dual firearms that he unleashed upon them before swiftly vanishing into the nearby woods.

Intrigue escalated as news of the relentless manhunt spread across the nation, capturing the public’s imagination. The media christened him “The Mad Trapper of Rat River,” bewildered by his exceptional survival skills amid extreme weather conditions and two treacherous blizzards. It became evident that Johnson was no ordinary trapper; his abilities defied comprehension.

On the 30th of January, 1932, the RCMP finally closed in on Johnson near the frozen expanse of Eagle River. A deadly firefight ensued, culminating in his demise as nine bullets pierced his body. In a peculiar twist, the revelation followed that Albert Johnson was not his true identity. 

Despite tireless efforts to uncover his real name, the enigma of his origins remained shrouded in mystery.