List of books and articles about fur trade and trappers online. The native americans often gave the settlers animal furs in exchange for weapons, metal goods, and other supplies. The first companies in canada were formed during the french and british regimes and competed for the fur trade. Lawrence, france spent twentysix years and vast sums of money to build what became the strongest, most impressive fortress on the continent.
The first european to cross north america, he inspired. This activity includes a five minute animated movie that explains how the fur trade started, how made beaver tokens were used and the dynamic of a canadian trading post in in the 17th and 18th century. The fur trade was a booming business in north america from the 1500s through the 1800s. The arrival of european traders forced many to choose sides. The fur trade is a worldwide industry dealing in the acquisition and sale of animal fur.
Dec 16, 2019 the fur trade was a very important part of the canadian economy and from the 17th to 19th centuries attracted european mechants and settlers to canada. Jul 23, 20 the fur trade was a vast commercial enterprise across the wild, forested expanse of what is now canada. A history of the fur trade is complementary to a history of the recent industrial growth of canada. The beginnings of the fur trade in the 1600s europeans formed powerful companies that would dominate the fur trade and create alliances with first nations group for over two centuries. Wealthy europeans were eager to buy hats made of beaver fur and the supply here. This period of time can be roughly divided into three sections, the french era from 1600 to 1760. Capots were originally a kind of a hooded coat or gown worn by french sailors in wet or bad weather. At the start of the fur trade, the first nations did most of the trapping. It was the most important animal fur in canadian history, its long barbs at the tip of each hair in the soft underpelt making it ideal for felt. The students will then play the fur trade game like an easter egg hunt where they collect furs to trade for items from a trading post.
However, the modern canadian nation began with the european colonization. Concluding with the virtual extinction of the buffalo in the late 1800s, fur, fortune, and empire is an epic history that brings to vivid life three hundred years of the american experience, conclusively demonstrating that the fur trade played a seminal role in creating the nation we are today. History of the fur trade montana trappers association. The fur trade in north america began almost as soon as europeans began their explorations of the north american mainland. The books homepage helps you explore earths biggest bookstore without ever leaving the comfort of your couch. The fur trade museum, in lachine, housed in a stone fur warehouse built in 1803 by north west company stockholder alexander gordon, is an excellent place to learn about montreals furtrade history. Hudsons bay company history how canadas favorite store. The key date in canadian history is july 1, 1867 also known as confederation day in which canada adopted its current constitution and thus, in the minds of most canadians, officially became a country. The american side of the fur trade tends to be an overlooked aspect of both american history and general fur trade history. The whiskey traders traded strong, cheap liquor to the natives, and it benefited the traders greatly, allowing them to make better deals on trade. Stephen harper had said he would use all legal means, and what john baird suggested was an option the prome minister was considering.
Collection, british columbia historical books collection. The algonquianspeaking people became allies of the french, the iroquoianspeaking people became allies of the british. As shareholders try to secure its future, heres a closer look at its storied history. This is a brief description of the most significant events in the 250 years during which the fur trade flourished. Jan 28, 2011 the gibraltar of north america a marvel of reconstruction. At its peak, the fur trade, which lasted almost 300 years, involved thousands of hunters, trappers, processors, guides, indigenous traders i. Here youll find current best sellers in books, new releases in books, deals in books, kindle ebooks, audible audiobooks, and so much more. A great big thank you is due to a lady named nicola who, in 2006, put together a long list of books of canadian history. Fortress of louisbourg canadas history canadas history. It was at its peak for nearly 250 years, from the early 17th to the mid19th centuries. Because of its deep harbour and strategic position of guarding the entrance to the st. The hudsons bay company, with french, british and aboriginal employees, came to dominate the trade in the northwest from fort garry winnipeg and fort edmonton to fort langley near vancouver and fort victoriatrading posts. At the time of its publication in 1930, the fur trade in canada challenged and inspired.
For the most part, voyageurs were the crews hired to man the canoes that carried trade goods and supplies to trading locations where they were exchanged for furs, and rendezvous posts. The intensely competitive trade opened the continent. Canada was built on the fur trade, which supplied european demand for pelts from animals such as the beaver castor canadensis to make hats. From the 1600s to the 1800s, an important part of the economy of new france and then british north america bna was the fur trade. Reviewed by robin inglis this slim volume about 140 pages of narrative excluding an appendix of data tables involving the california fur trade, endnotes and a full bibliography provides readers with a fascinating overvi. Jan 18, 20 the history of black americans in the fur trade is not only one of slavery, although that is a central element. Beginning in 1834, the hudsons bay company visited the rocky mountain rendezvous to buy and trade for furs. Jul 01, 2010 as the fur trade is absolutely essential to canadas history, and myself being a canadian historian, i am wellversed in canadian fur trade history. When europeans first settled in north america, they traded with native americans. Fueled by european demand, the timber trade brought investment and immigration to eastern canada, fostered economic development, and transformed the regional environment far more radically than the earlier exploitation of fish and fur.
Sir alexander mackenzie, fur trader, explorer born around 1764 near stornoway, scotland. In two epic journeys for the north west company in 1789 and 1793, he traversed the dense northern wilderness to reach the arctic and pacific oceans. When europeans first settled in north america, they traded with american indians. Harold innis begins the fur trade in canada with a brief chapter on the beaver which became a much desired fur due to the popularity of the beaver hat in european society. At the time of its publication in 1930, the fur trade in canadachallenged and inspired scholars, historians, and economists. There is also the story of successful voyageurs, who made lives in the wilderness, and found a place in history through their business acumen, intelligence, strength, and courage. A local historian chats about prairie du chien vol. However, raw materials have declined as a percentage of canadas exports, while processed, fabricated, and manufactured goods have increased. Home canadian history yale university library research. First nations, french, english, scots, jews, greeks and many others have worked together for hundreds of years to build this remarkable industry a dynamic tradition of competition and cooperation that is well worth remembering as we celebrate these important. A scottish trader visits the ojibwe in 1765, after the french depart. The fur trade set the tone for european exploration of north america and established the very foundation of canada. David thompson was dissatisfied with the hudsons bay companys emphasis on the fur trade. The french fur trade turning points in wisconsin history.
We did this screencast for our social studies curriculm class at the university of alberta. Innis has long been regarded as one of canadas foremost historians, and in the fur trade in canada he presents several histories in. Harold a innis innis has long been regarded as one of canadas foremost historians, and in the fur trade in canada he presents several histories in one. The indians often gave the settlers animal furs in exchange for weapons, metal goods, and other supplies. After the american revolution, the treaty of paris of 1783 made prairie du chien part of united states territory, but the fur traders who lived at prairie du chien continued to ally themselves with british canadian trading companies. Hbc, which dates back to the 1670s, is facing a variety of challenges in the rapidly evolving retail world. Now, almost seventy years later, harold inniss fundamental reinterpretation of canadian history continues to exert a magnetic influence. Finally, there was the depletion of the stock of beaver and other fur bearing animals, hunted relentlessly for centuries. Voyageurs travelers in french were men hired to work for the fur trade companies to transport trade goods throughout the vast territory to rendezvous posts. At the time of its publication in 1930, the fur trade in canada challenged and inspired scholars, historians, and economists. Indians in the fur trade their roles as trappers, hunters, and.
If the governor general had refused his request, he could have replaced her with a more compliant one, making the case to the queen that the people of canada were opposed in great numbers to a coalition replacing his government. Fur trade in canada, last edited november 01, 2019. The companys role in the northwest changed again with the canadian. The library has also acquired the papers of the st. From the beginning of the fur trade in the 1680s until the late 1870s, the voyageurs were the bluecollar workers of the montreal fur trade.
Ron kirbyson, the winnipeg free press in this brilliantly titled book sarah carter again demonstrates her preeminence in the field of western canadian history, especially in the area of nativenewcomer relations. An examination of some winter clothing worn in the fur trade. Important fur bearing species include lynx and marten martes americana and, in wetland habitats, beaver castor canadensis, american read more. But its effect in opening the wilderness was even more striking in canada, where the rivers. Why was the fur trade important to the history of canada. These new lands, which more than doubled canadas size, were christened the canadian northwest territory in 1870. The fur trading industry played a major role in the development of the united states and canada for more than 300 years. The importance of being monogamous is a worthy example of history amplified and enriched. An illustrated history is an engaging new look at this compelling era in our history. First the vikings, then the french, and the english, then many. The history of canada is a story of all these people. Trade between natives and europeans flourished for furs, particularly beaver.
He remarks that it is impossible to understand the developments of the fur trade, or of canadian history, without some knowledge of the beavers life and habits. In this book, extensively illustrated with visuals from some of canada s most prominent museums and archives, historian michael payne explores the personalities and events that shaped this. Mistahimaskwa big bear 4th from left, a plains cree chief, trading fur at fort pitt, n. The indians traded furs for such goods as tools and weapons. Fur trade sites such as lower fort garry, fort langley, fort edmonton and fort william attract several hundred thousand visitors every yearcumulatively far more people than will ever read scholarly or even popular histories of the fur trade or sit through a university seminar on western canadian history. Aboriginal peoples in canada and native americans in the united states of various regions traded among themselves in the precolumbian era. The fur trade was a very important part of the canadian economy and from the 17th to 19th centuries attracted european mechants and. In the mid1800s, american fur traders began to introduce native peoples to liquor, which had a devastating effect on their way of life. Discover librarianselected research resources on fur trade and trappers from the questia online. Importance of being monogamous the wayne state university. The settlers then sold many of the furs back to europe.
The fur trade, which centered on the beaver in the first few centuries, became the mechanism by which europeans advanced into and settled northern parts of the continent. Books the museum of the fur trade museum shop is the largest bookstore in the region, offering nearly 1,000 titles, including a wide selection of fur trade history, native culture and. If it was the search for a short route to asia that brought the dutch to north america, it was the beaver that made them stay. Canadian traders among the mandan and hidatsa indians, 17381818 volume 68 american exploration and travel series wood, w. Benjamin chee chees stylized canada geese are instantly familiar to most canadians, but the struggles the ojibwa artist encountered throughout his life are less well known. See more ideas about fur trade, canadian history and canada. However, this, like so many other endeavors of the wild west, was soon to change, when the canadianbased hudsons bay company determined to destroy the american fur trade. The feltmaking technique transformed animal fur into a soft, supple, waterresistant material. Material on this subject can be found throughout the central library 350 west georgia street. Hudsons bay company was formed on may 6, 1670, making it the oldest corporation in the world.
The editor praises it for emphasizing the role of geography something that i. This book also details the fur trade s true origin as a network of trading patterns among aboriginal peoples. The fur tradea history of the red river cart and the trails they travelled on throughout western canada. An equally important factor in the decline of fur trade was the advance of settlement, for the trade in wild furs could not flourish on a large scale near farms. The demand for furs was an important factor in the commercial life of all the british and dutch. Countless generations of canadian school children got their sense of history from seeing their images reproduced in text and picture books. The north american fur trade was an industry and activity related to the acquisition, trade, exchange, and sale of animal furs in north america. A commercial fur trade in north america grew out of the early contact between indians. Jan 18, 2014 the fur trade through the eyes of first nations woman, metis woman, and a first nations child. Free awardwinning lesson plans, classroom activities and resources for homeschoolers and teachers k12. The fur trade was the original basis for the growth, foundation, and success of canadas beginning. However, the metis, who are sometimes considered children of the fur trade, became skilled hunters and trappers as well. An introduction to canadian economic history, is an in depth look at the canadian fur trade, and an application of staples thesis where regional development is reliant on the characteristics of staple resources and their trade and business organizations.
The fur trade was a very important part of the canadian economy and from the 17th to 19th centuries attracted european mechants and settlers to canada. In 16th and 17thcentury europe, fur was more than a luxury. It obviously took a lot of time and effort to compile the list, but as with all things it was time for an update. The algonquianspeaking people became allies of the french, the. Thompsons first assignment was to determine the longitude and latitude of the north west company posts affected by the. The staples theory can also be used to gain an understanding of canadian society. Since the establishment of a world fur market in the early modern period, furs of boreal, polar and cold temperate mammalian animals have been the most valued. The beaver fur trade university of minnesota libraries. Historically the trade stimulated the exploration and colonization of siberia, northern north america, and the south shetland and south sandwich islands. The fur trade had a tremendous effect on dakota and ojibwe cultural practices and influenced usnative economic and political relations in the 19th century, including treaty negotiations. Ernie bies, who met chee chee more than forty years ago, spoke to canadas history. Canadas economic development historically depended on the export of large volumes of raw materials, especially fish, fur, grain, and timber. In this lesson, students will hear a story about life as a voyageurs family during the fur trade. Louis fur trade, 17521925, a microfilm collection with great relevance to canadian history.
Two canadian fur companies controlled the fur trade in canada and parts of the united states fur trade until the boundary was set at the 49th parallel in 1846. This guide will help you find material in vancouver public library on the fur trade in canada. Jd kelly, and arthur heming have painted some of the most famous voyageur and fur trade scenics in canadian history. An introduction to canadian economic history harold. Indians in the fur tradefirst published in 1974, this bestselling book was lauded by choice as an important, groundbreaking study of the assiniboine and wes. In the 1600s europeans formed powerful companies that would dominate the fur trade and create alliances with first nations group for over two centuries. Mar 15, 2000 early fur trade on the northern plains. Canadian retailer hudsons bay company has been making headlines as its executive chairman leads a bid to take the company private. This is a fun roleplay game introducing students to the beaver pelt trade in canada. So, i wanted to see how this book handled the task, particularly as.
See more ideas about fur trade, canadian history and social studies. All faced horrific consequences for these decisions. A commercial fur trade in north america grew out of the early contact between indians and european fisherman who were netting cod on the grand banks off newfoundland and on the bay of gaspe near quebec. The fur trade was a thriving industry in north america from the 16th through 19th centuries. The book begins by explaining the overshadowing importance of the. Socalled preconfederation history describes the countrys colonization and settlement by european migrants, while post. When the british gained control of the prairie in the mid1770s, they too realized its importance. Ray presents the history of the book and concludes that inniss great book. A french priest writes home in 1721 about indians, beavers, and fur. Canadas fur trade history reflects the countrys cultural mosaic at its best.
After his term of service was up in july of 1797, he went to grand portage near lake superior and joined the north west company. Indigenous people in canada met their european counterparts on more or less equal terms with mutual benefits. The fur trade was one of the earliest and most important industries in north america. Jul 24, 2015 wood was the staple of canadian trade for much of the 19th century. It was sustained primarily by the trapping of beavers to satisfy the european demand for felt hats. The beginnings of the fur trade first peoples of canada. The history of the fur trade and the early exploration of canada. Oct 16, 2019 about 250 canadian periodicals are received in the periodical reading room, with several hundred more housed in sterlings stacks.
Changing fashions in europe makes beavers fur trade one of the main economic ventures in north america and encourages explorations in north america north american fur trade, fur trade, fashion, 1580s, america colonization, colonization, trade, society, 16th century, modern history, europe, earth, solar system, milky way. Sir alexander mackenzie explorer the canadian encyclopedia. Product information an engaging new look at this compelling era in canadian history. The fur trade began in the 1500s as an exchange between indians and europeans.
At their height in the 1810s, they numbered as many as three thousand. By now, the fur trade had all but declined, and in 1868 the oncemighty hudsons bay company agreed to surrender their control of northern north america to macdonald. Written by harold innis in the 1930s, this book is still widely considered an important read on the nitty gritty of the fur trade in early canadian history. Discover delightful childrens books with prime book box, a subscription that. List of books and articles about fur trade and trappers. Much like other cash products of the new world, the beaver fur trade brought many other actors onto the american stage.