Foundations of the St. Louis Fur Trade

A new perspective on the early St. Louis fur trade emerges, challenging traditional narratives by highlighting neglected manuscripts from the Missouri History Museum and the Archivo General de Indias in Seville. This research reveals a diverse cast of figures—négociants, commerçants, and voyageurs—who played pivotal roles in shaping the trade's foundations, rather than focusing solely on Pierre Laclède Liguest and Auguste Chouteau. The study also explores the competitive dynamics between American traders and British counterparts, along with the involvement of Indigenous peoples. By drawing from previously underutilized sources, this work offers a more nuanced understanding of the fur trade's origins and its broader historical significance.

Ekberg, C. J., & Person, S. K. (2017). Foundations of the St. Louis Fur Trade. University of Illinois Press. https://doi.org/10.5406/illinois/9780252038976.003.0010