I had paddled by one of the many trading posts that was established on the Missouri river during the 1800’s for the trading of goods for furs amongst the tribes who lived here.

I have been reading for many years about the history of the fur trade as it relates to the Missouri river and it’s tributaries.

St.Louis is where I am from and it is where expeditions up the Missouri began.

Even before the Louisiana purchase, French fur traders (and others) would travel a great distance to trade for furs, especially beaver that was all the rage in Europe as hats. Amongst other things.

It is maintained by the National Park Service as a historical site. Pow-wows and rendevous are still some of the major events.

http://www.nps.gov/fous/index.htm