Montana Campfire
A study of the Rocky Mountain Fur Trade, 1807
This page is dedicated to the reenactment and the history of the early western fur trade from 1807-1835. I am going to discuss accouterments and weapons as well as some brief history. I try to be as authentic as possible but im not perfect. I don't want the need to be absolutely authentic "Or Else" become so prevalent that it overshadows the real reason that I reenact and trek in the first place and that is to "Have Fun" I have seen some people take this hobby so seriously that its no longer fun or even pleasant. I try My best to be authentic but the number one priority is to enjoy yourself as far as I am concerned. It is a never ending trail of discovery however and should be explored a bit at a time. try to do the best You can with what You have and improve as Your knowledge and means permit. Im not suggesting that You should not strive for authenticity just dont let it become so important that You forget why Your doing this in the first place
A SHORT HISTORY
David Thompson was an explorer-geographer for the Northwest company and came to the Rocky Mountains in 1807. His explorations resulted in the establishment of several trading posts. Thompson sent two men to Spokane country in 1810 to build a small trading post. Finan McDonald and Jako Finlay built "Spokane House" the first white settlement in the northwest. John Jacob Astors "Pacific Fur Company" arrived in the area in 1812. The Americans built their trading post near Spokane House and called their post "Ft Spokane" David Thompson also built a post called "Kullyspell House on the shores of lake Pend Orielle in Idaho in 1809 and established a trading post 8 miles upstream from the present town of Libby Montana in 1808. There were also other fur trading posts in the northwest including Manuel Lisa's fort built in 1812 that is currently under lake Oahe in northern S Dakota. John Colter as well as several other hunters from Lewis and Clarks Corps of Discovery returned to the mountains after the corps disbanded so there was no shortage of white men in this area in the early 1800's. This is the time period I choose to reenact. 1807-1813 The Very early fur trade before news of the war reached the west.
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