John Reed (fur trader) facts for kids

John Reed (who lived until 1814) was an American clerk. He worked for several companies involved in the North American fur trade. This was a big business back then, trading animal furs.

Working for the Pacific Fur Company

John Reed's last job was with the Pacific Fur Company (PFC). This company was very important in the fur trade. He was hired in August 1810 at Mackinac Island.

From there, Reed joined an expedition led by Wilson Price Hunt. Their goal was to reach the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest. Another group from the company sailed from New York City. They traveled on a ship called the Tonquin. This group was meant to set up a main base before Hunt's group arrived.

Reed's group included many French-Canadian and Métis people. There were also several Americans. They were all heading to the wild lands of the West.

Adventures and Challenges

Reed's group finally reached a new trading post called Fort Astoria in January 1812. It was a long and difficult journey.

In March, Reed was given an important mission. He had to carry special documents back across the country. These documents were for John Jacob Astor, the head of the company.

During his journey, Reed and his small group faced danger. They were attacked by a group of native people before reaching the Continental Divide. Reed was hurt in this fight. He then went to Fort Okanogan to get help for his injuries. After recovering, he returned to Fort Astoria in May 1812.

A New Post and a Tragic End

In 1813, John Reed set up a small trading post. It was near the Malheur River in what is now Vale, Oregon. Later, he moved his post to where the Boise and Snake Rivers meet.

In January 1814, a group of Bannock natives attacked this new post. John Reed and two other men were killed during the attack. Another small outpost nearby was also attacked. Four more company workers died there.

However, Marie Aioe Dorion, the wife of one of the workers, survived. Her two young children also survived. Marie bravely spent the winter alone, taking care of her children. She finally reached Fort Okanogan in the spring, safe and sound.

John Reed's Legacy

The area where John Reed had his second trading post became very important. Other fur trappers later found it to be a valuable spot.

In 1819, a man named Donald McKenzie opened a new station there. But it was later abandoned. Years later, in 1835, Thomas McKay built Fort Boise in the same general area. This shows that John Reed had chosen a good location for trade.