“Last Days of the Upper Mississippi Fur Trade,”by Rhoda R. Gilman.
InMinnesota History, vol. 42, no. 4 (Winter 1970): pp. 122-140.
MNHS call number:Digital copy
Where Two Worlds Meet: The Great Lakes Fur Trade,by Carolyn Gilman.
St. Paul: Minnesota Historical Society, 1982.
MNHS call number:Reading Room HD9944. U46 G744,alsoavailable for purchase.
American Fur Company Papers, 1831-1849.
Microfilmed papers of the American Fur Company. Includes copies of invoices, blotters, orders, memorandums, letter books, bound volumes, letters, and other papers. Correspondents include John Jacob Astor, Lewis Cass, Ramsay Crooks, Robert Stuart, Henry Hastings Sibley, Joseph Nicholas Nicollet, Lawrence Taliaferro, Sir Curtis Miranda Lampson, Sir George Simpson, Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, Jean Joseph Rolette, Pierre Chouteau, Gabriel Franchere, Charles Gratiot, George Bonga, and Allan Morrison.
MNHS call number:Digital Finding Aid
Peter Pond Papers, 1773-1775.
Accounting information, bibliographical sources that reference Peter Pond, and Pond’s account of his early life as a fur trader.
MNHS call number:Digital Finding Aid
Five Fur Traders of the Northwest, edited by Charles M. Gates.
Toronto: The Ryerson Press, 1933.
This compilation contains the unabridged diaries of John MacDonell, Archibald N. McLeod, Hugh Faries, and Thomas Conner along with the narrative of Peter Pond. Written in the 1930s, the introduction shows the biases of that time period.
MNHS call number:F 483 .G25 1933
As an expert in the field of fur trade history and exploration, I draw upon a wealth of knowledge acquired through extensive research and a deep passion for the subject. My expertise spans various primary sources, scholarly works, and archival materials, enabling me to provide a comprehensive understanding of the historical context surrounding the fur trade in North America.
In the article "Last Days of the Upper Mississippi Fur Trade" by Rhoda R. Gilman, published in Minnesota History (Winter 1970), the author delves into the final stages of the fur trade along the Upper Mississippi River. This work is a crucial piece for understanding the economic, social, and environmental factors that influenced the decline of this trade.
To complement this, Carolyn Gilman's "Where Two Worlds Meet: The Great Lakes Fur Trade" (1982) offers a broader perspective on the fur trade, focusing on the Great Lakes region. This comprehensive exploration is invaluable for anyone seeking a nuanced understanding of the trade's complexities and its impact on the indigenous peoples and European settlers.
The American Fur Company Papers, 1831-1849, provide a firsthand look into the operations of the American Fur Company. This collection of microfilmed papers includes invoices, blotters, orders, memorandums, letter books, and correspondence involving prominent figures such as John Jacob Astor, Lewis Cass, and Ramsay Crooks. These documents serve as critical primary sources for understanding the business and interpersonal dynamics of the fur trade during this period.
For insights into the personal experiences of fur traders, the Peter Pond Papers (1773-1775) offer a glimpse into the life of Peter Pond, an early fur trader. This collection contains accounting information, bibliographical sources referencing Pond, and his own account of his early years in the fur trade. These papers are essential for understanding the challenges and adventures faced by individuals engaged in this profession.
The compilation "Five Fur Traders of the Northwest," edited by Charles M. Gates (1933), provides unabridged diaries of fur traders John MacDonell, Archibald N. McLeod, Hugh Faries, and Thomas Conner, along with the narrative of Peter Pond. While the diaries offer valuable insights, it's important to note that the introduction reflects the biases of the 1930s, providing a historical context for the reader.
In conclusion, the combination of these works and archival materials creates a rich tapestry of information, shedding light on the intricate history of the fur trade in North America. These sources not only contribute to our understanding of economic and social dynamics but also provide a glimpse into the lives of those who shaped this fascinating chapter in history.
