List of fur trading post and forts in North America facts for kids

By the early 19th century, many companies built special places called fur trading posts and forts all across North America. These spots were super important. They were like busy marketplaces where European traders and Indigenous peoples met. They traded animal furs, especially beaver pelts, for things like tools, blankets, and food. These posts also helped explorers and settlers move further into new lands.

What Were Fur Trading Posts?

Fur trading posts were buildings or small groups of buildings. They were often built near rivers or lakes, which were like highways back then. Traders would live there, waiting for trappers and Indigenous hunters to bring their furs. These posts were key to the fur trade, which was a huge business for hundreds of years.

Why Were Forts Important?

Many trading posts were also forts. This meant they had strong walls and defenses. These forts protected the traders and their goods from rivals or sometimes from conflicts with different groups. They were also safe places to store valuable furs and supplies.

Canada's Trading Posts and Forts

Canada was a very important area for the fur trade. Large companies like the Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company built many posts here. They stretched from the Atlantic coast all the way to the Pacific.

Alberta's Posts

Alberta had many important fur trading spots. These posts helped connect different parts of the country. They were vital for moving furs and supplies.

British Columbia's Posts

The rugged lands of British Columbia also had many trading posts. These posts were often far apart. They helped traders reach new areas and new groups of people.

Manitoba's Posts

Manitoba was a central hub for the fur trade. Many major forts were built here. They controlled important river routes.

Winnipeg's Historic Forts

The city of Winnipeg grew around some of these old trading posts. They were key to controlling the Red River.

Newfoundland and Labrador's Posts

Even on the eastern coast, trading posts were set up. They helped with trade along the Atlantic.

Northwest Territories' Posts

The vast Northwest Territories had many remote posts. They were crucial for trading with northern Indigenous groups.

Nova Scotia's Posts

Nova Scotia, on the Atlantic coast, also had important forts. They were part of the wider trade network.

Nunavut's Posts

In the far north, Nunavut's posts were very remote. They helped traders reach Arctic communities.

Ontario's Posts

Ontario had many posts, especially around the Great Lakes. These were important for trade routes to the interior.

Ottawa's Trading Post

Even near modern-day Ottawa, there was a trading post.

Quebec's Posts

Quebec was a very early center for the fur trade. Many posts here date back to the 17th century.

• A trading post was set up in Maniwaki in the Outaouais region.
• A 17th-century fur trade building was located in Lachine, Montreal.
• The Hudson's Bay Company had a trading post in Nipissing in 1874.
• Fort George

Saskatchewan's Posts

Saskatchewan's plains were home to many trading posts. They were important for the trade across the prairies.

Yukon's Posts

The Yukon's posts were in very cold, remote areas. They were key for trade in the far northwest.

United States Trading Posts and Forts

The United States also had a huge network of fur trading posts. These were built by different companies and even the government.

Alabama's Posts

Even in the southern states, some trading posts existed.

Arkansas's Posts

Arkansas had important posts along its rivers.

Alaska's Posts

Alaska's posts were often set up by Russian traders at first. Later, American companies took over.

Arizona's Posts

In the Southwest, trading posts served different communities.

California's Posts

California's posts were often on the coast or near important trails.

Colorado's Posts

Colorado's posts were important for trade along the Santa Fe Trail.

Connecticut's Posts

Even in the early colonies, trading posts were built.

Idaho's Posts

Idaho's posts were key for trade in the Pacific Northwest.

Indiana's Posts

Indiana had posts that were important for trade in the Midwest.

Michigan's Posts

Michigan's posts were vital for controlling the Great Lakes trade.

Minnesota's Posts

Minnesota's posts were important for trade around the Mississippi River.

Missouri's Posts

Missouri was a gateway to the West. Its posts were very busy.

Montana's Posts

Montana's posts were important for trade in the Rocky Mountains.

Nebraska's Posts

Nebraska's posts were key for trade along the Missouri River.

New York's Posts

New York had some of the earliest trading posts in North America.

• Fort Ontario (present-day Oswego, New York)

North Dakota's Posts

North Dakota's posts were important for trade on the northern plains.

Oregon's Posts

Oregon's posts were crucial for trade on the Pacific coast.

Pennsylvania's Posts

Pennsylvania had posts that were part of the eastern trade networks.

South Dakota's Posts

South Dakota's posts were important for trade in the central plains.

Utah's Posts

Utah's posts were important for trade in the Great Basin.

Washington's Posts

Washington's posts were key for trade in the Pacific Northwest.

Wyoming's Posts

Wyoming's posts were important for trade in the Rocky Mountains.

See also

• List of Hudson's Bay Company trading posts