Entrepôt facts for kids
An entrepôt was a special kind of trading post. Imagine a busy marketplace where goods could be brought in and sent out without paying extra taxes. This often helped traders make a good amount of money. Sometimes, it was easier for traders to sell their goods at an entrepôt instead of traveling long distances along a trade route. The entrepôt would then sell these goods at a higher price to other traders who would continue the journey. Today, modern customs areas have mostly replaced these old entrepôts.
It's important not to confuse this historical trading place with the modern French word entrepôt, which simply means a warehouse.
Contents
A Look Back: Entrepôts Through Time
Entrepôts have a long and interesting history. They first appeared way back in the middle ages.
Early Trading Hubs
The Vikings, who were famous explorers and traders, set up many important trade routes. They used entrepôts in places like Dublin, Wexford, and Waterford to help their trade flow smoothly. These spots were perfect for exchanging goods without extra fees.
Entrepôts in Colonial America
Later, during the time of the Colonial Americans, entrepôts were also very important. For example, the colony of Rhode Island had a busy entrepôt between 1690 and 1765. It served as a key place for goods to move in and out of the region.
Images for kids
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The entrepôt dock of Amsterdam completed in 1830 as a warehouse to store goods "entrepôt", or tax-free in transit
