Fur Trade Boom Skimpy for Indians and Free Trappers
A historical look at the fur trade notes strong profits for top investors like John Jacob Astor and Kenneth McKenzie, while indigenous producers and free trappers earned little, often trading pelts for cheap goods and liquor. The rendezvous era began 1825 on Henrys Fork, with yearly fairs that drew trappers, Indians, and traders until about 1839 before waning as beaver numbers fell.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
John Jacob Astor
William H. Ashley
Maj
Andrew Henry
Kenneth McKenzie
General Ashley
Henry’s Fork
Green River
Utah- Wyoming
St. Louis
Joseph G. Masters
Far West
Great West
Missouri
Fort Union
McKenzie
American Fur Co
Montana
Fort Benton
McKenzie’s Fur Empire Dominates Missouri Region Trade
The article recounts John McKenzie and the American Fur Co. using diplomacy and force to control the Missouri fur trade despite lacking a charter. Fort Union becomes a hub where Audubon and Maximilian visited, while Wyeth’s treachery and McKenzie’s rail of wealth contrast with Indian and trapper hardship.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
McKenzie
American Fur Co
Missouri
Hudson's Bay Co
Canada
Columbia River Valley
St. Louis
Fort Union
Nathaniel J. Wyeth
Wyeth
States
William Clark
Early-Day Arrivals Scoffed at Yellowstone Tale
The piece recalls how early travelers doubted Yellowstone legends and geysers. It notes explorers like Bridger, Moran, and the 1870 Helena party including Truman C. Everts, who faced hardship, Indian dangers, and near-misses before the area became a protected park.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
West
Story of
Yellowstone
David Folsom
C. W. Cook
Park
Thomas Moran
Congress
Capitol
Washington
Canyon
Helena
Henry D. Washburn
Montana
Mount Washburn
S. T. Hauser
N. P. Langford
Truman C. Everts
Cornelius Hedges
Wonderland
Evert
Scribner’s Magazine
Joseph
Gibbon
the Big Hole
Sherman
Radersburg
G. F. Cowan
Andrew J. Welkert
Pioneer Authorities Laud Indians as Fierce Horsemen and Tacticians
The piece cites Captain Benteen, Custer, Crook, Charles King, and General Sherman praising Sioux and other plains Indians as superior horsemen and agile fighters. It notes their camouflage, mobility, and effectiveness on horseback, while admitting weaknesses in leadership and storming fortifications.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mrs. Cowan
Cowans
Benteen
Major Reno
Little Big Horn
Seventh Cavalry
Custer
George Crook
Dakota
Montana
Crook
United States
Charles King
Europe
Sherman
Reno
Phil Kearney
Smith
Sioux Country
Bozeman Trail
Glacier search starts after discovery of milk in Rock Creek
Ben Greenough of the federal geological survey reports finding glacial milk in Rock Creek near Red Lodge Montana and Rock Creek Lake. The fine rock dust from glaciers has tinted the lake a whitish color and begun an unknown glacier search in the area.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Rock Creek
Red Lodge
Montana
Rock Creek Lake
Ben Greenough
Federal Geological Survey
Greenough
Full House Mr McCain Dies Suddenly
Sioux City Iowa Tribune reports the death of Mr McCain a former U S Navy member. He leaves Edward at home. The obituary notes his service and surviving family members.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
McCain
U. S. Navy
Edward
Sioux City
Iowa
Tribune
California boats hunt Soupfin sharks for vitamin rich oil
Some 600 fishing boats operate in California waters seeking Soupfin sharks prized for their liver oil rich in vitamin A. The catch supports suppliers and local markets as harvest continues.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
California
Also Mentioned on This Page
North America
Maximilian
England
Larpenteur
Upper
Lydia E. Pinkham
Lydia Pinkham
Bridger
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone Park
Col
Wilbur F. Sanders
Bannack
Yellowstone Canyon
James Bridger
Bonneville
William S. Brackett
Montana Historical Records
The
Wasp
Nauvoo
Yellow‘stone Park
Alvarez
Walter DeLacy
Cowan
Bozeman
Land of Mystery
Nana
Montana Liquor Control Board
Kesslers
Kessler
Julius Kessler Distilling Co. Incorporated
Saltimroe, Md
Lawrenceburg
Indiana
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!