History

Additional Reading

Discover the inside story of the fur trade in the early 1800s.

In these essays, learn about the rivalry between trading companies. Meet the people involved in the fur trade, including gentlemen and voyageurs. Explore the history of the wintering post on the Snake River and the journal left behind.

Background

• The Great Lakes Fur Trade: All Because of a Beaver (PDF)
• People of the Fur Trade: On the backs of men, in the hands of women(PDF)
• The Snake River Wintering Post: Then and Now(PDF)

Resources

• Suggested Reading: Books for Adults and Young Readers(PDF)
• Language of the Fur Trade: Words to Know(PDF)

Articles from Minnesota History magazine

All articles are from the Minnesota History magazine published by the Minnesota Historical Society. All are in PDF.

Fur Trade History

• Who wrote the "Diary of Thomas Connor"? : a fur trade mystery
• A fur trader's reminiscences. (Part 1)
• A fur trader's reminiscences. (Part 2)
• The North West Company, pedlars extraordinary.
• When Fond du Lac was British.
• Posts in the Minnesota fur-trading area, 1660-1855.

Ojibwe History

• A skilled Game of Exchange: Ojibwe Fur Trade Protocol
• “Give us a little milk": the social and cultural meanings of gift giving in the Lake Superior Fur Trade
• Farmers, warriors, traders : a fresh look at Ojibway women