Richard McConnell was a geologist with the Geological Survey of Canada. In 1887–1888 he explored northern British Columbia, the Yukon and the Mackenzie River region. His report of this survey includes a description of his arrival at Lapierre House in July 1888:
“On arriving at Bell River, we crossed over to Lapierre House, which is situated on a flat on the western side, but found the post deserted by all but Indians, the officer in charge having left some time before for Fort McPherson. Lapierre House is simply an outpost of Fort McPherson, and is kept up principally to facilitate the transit of goods and fur across the mountains, although some trading is also done with both the Loucheux [Gwich’in] and Eskimo [Inuvialuit]. It has been in existence about 35 years.”
— Richard McConnell, 1891