North West Trading Company facts for kids

The North West Trading Company was an American business that operated in Alaska during the late 1800s. It was started in Portland, Oregon in 1879 by two men, Paul Schulze and Henry Villard. Their main goal was to trade goods and develop new industries in the growing Alaska Territory.

The North West Trading Company's Story

Beginning in Alaska

The North West Trading Company began its work in Alaska in 1878. They set up a trading post in a place called Killisnoo, Alaska. This trading post quickly grew. It soon included a special factory for processing fish. This fish processing plant was the first of its kind in the Alaska Territory. It was a very important step for the region's economy.

Challenges and Closure

The company faced many difficulties during its time. There was a mild economic slowdown in the country. This included a financial problem known as Grant's Panic of 1884. The company also grew very quickly, which can sometimes cause problems for businesses. The railway markets, which were important for transporting goods, were also uncertain. Because of these challenges, the North West Trading Company ran into financial trouble. In 1888, the company went into receivership. This means it was taken over by a court-appointed manager to sort out its debts. The trading station at Killisnoo was then sold. It was bought by another company called Alaska Oil and Guano.