Named in association with McGregor River, in turn after Captain James Herrick McGregor [1869–1915], killed in action in World War I.

McGregor became a Provincial Land Surveyor in 1891 and did much of the exploration and survey work in the area around this townsite.

Dewey Post Office was opened 1 February 1915. Dewey (Station) and Dewey (Post Office) labelled about 1 1/2 miles apart on BC map 3A, 1915 et seq, in Lots 3115A and 3111 respectively. Dewey Post Office was closed temporarily in January 1929 according to Melvin & Topping’s 1965 book The Post Offices of British Columbia. “Dewey (Post Office & Station), population 125, with school…” identified in the 1930 BC Gazetteer. “A considerable mis-sortation of mail is occurring due to similarity of Dewdney and Dewey post office names… residents requested change to Cornel, as post office is near Cornel Sawmills.” (April 1956 letter from Post Office Department, file P.1.47). Dewey Post Office renamed Cornel Mills Post Office 2 July 1956. “We would like to call the community McGregor…150 people in residence now… likely will increase to 200…” (October 1965 letter from Northwood Pulp Ltd to Department of Municipal Affairs, file Mc.1.58). Advance notice that post office name would be changed provided in January 1966 letter from Post Office Department to Geographic Board. Cornel Mills Post Office renamed McGregor Post Office 11 April 1966. Post Office was closed 8 October 1970. At the time of closing, the post office was located in L3083, about 3 miles downstream from the original Dewey post office. (1)