Fort Robidoux facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Robidoux |
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 United States |
Fort Robidoux, also known as Fort Uintah or Fort Wintya, was an important fur trading post. It was located where the Uinta River and Whiterocks River meet in what is now northeastern Utah. This fort was founded in 1832 by Antoine Robidoux. He bought an earlier trading post, called the Reed Trading Post, which had been there since 1828.
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Antoine Robidoux's Early Trading Days
Antoine Robidoux was a fur trader who explored the Uintah Basin. He started trading for beaver pelts in this area as early as 1824. By 1828, he had set up his first trading post. This post was in the western Rocky Mountains, near present-day Delta, Colorado.
Becoming a Mexican Citizen
In 1828, Robidoux became a Mexican citizen. This was important because it allowed him to get a special license. This license let him legally trade and trap furs in Mexican territories. He also married Carmel Benevedes, whose father was the governor of New Mexico.
The First Trading Post in Utah
While Robidoux focused on his Colorado fort, others were busy in Utah. William Reed, his 12-year-old nephew James Reed, and Denis Julien traveled to the Uinta Basin. They set up the Reed Trading Post there. This became the first permanent non-Native American home and business in the State of Utah.
Fort Robidoux Expands
After his Colorado operations were successful, Robidoux bought the Reed Trading Post. He expanded the business by building a much larger fort. He also brought in more trappers to work in the area. The Green and Uintah rivers were full of beavers, making it a great spot for fur trading.
Competing in the Fur Trade
Fort Robidoux was a successful trading post. Antoine Robidoux competed well against other big fur companies. These included Fort Davy Crockett, the American Fur Company, and the Hudson's Bay Company. Traders from Bent's Fort also operated in the region.
Business at the Fort
At Fort Robidoux, business involved trading for furs. Robidoux traded with Native American groups and with independent trappers. He also traded horses. Sometimes, he was involved in trading goods that were not allowed, like certain weapons and alcoholic drinks.
Famous Visitors to Fort Uintah
Many well-known people visited Fort Uintah during its active years. These visitors included famous explorers and mountain men. Some of them were Kit Carson, Miles Goodyear, and Captain John C. Fremont. Other notable visitors included Marcus Whitman, Joe Meeks, August Archambeaux, Rufus Sage, and Reverend Joseph Williams.
The End of Fort Robidoux
The fur trade started to slow down in the late 1830s and early 1840s. Because of this, Robidoux's business also began to decline. In August 1844, Ute warriors attacked and burned Fort Robidoux. They also burned his fort in Colorado. This attack was unique because it was one of the only times a trading post was successfully destroyed by Native Americans during the fur trade era.
