fur trade

Early in the winter of 1634, a young Dutch trader set out with his friends from a distant outpost of the tiny Dutch colony on the southern tip of Manhattan Island, seeking to establish new friendships with the surrounding tribes that would strengthen the faltering Dutch fur trade.

Presents biographies of eighteen men essential to the opening of the West.

Explores how the fur trade shaped Canadian and American history during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, profiling the explorers who had a significant impact on the trade.

Examines hunting as a means of supplying such luxuries as fur coats and leather and discusses how the practice can threaten some species of animals.

Profiles the discoveries and adventures of famous trappers and mountain men in American history including Jedediah Smith, Lewis and Clark, and John Jacob Astor and his fur-trading empire.

Examines the role of the beaver in the history of the United States, discussing its value as a source of fur, and the economic implications of beaver trading.

Chronicles the history of the relationship between the Indians and the fur traders in Canada.

The history of the North American fur trade beginning in the 15th century.