Rendezvous (fur trade) facts for kids
A rendezvous (say "RON-day-voo") was a big meeting held once a year in the wilderness of North America. These meetings were super important for trading furs and other goods. They were also a chance for people to do business, have important discussions, and even have some fun!
Rendezvous in the Canoe Fur Trade
One type of rendezvous was part of the voyageur and canoe-based fur trade. This trade mostly happened in Canada when the rivers and lakes weren't frozen. These meetings were usually at a special spot where goods had to be moved from one type of transportation to another. Only one fur trading company would run these meetings. The main reason for these rendezvous was to transfer furs and supplies, but they also included other meetings and celebrations.
Rendezvous in the American West
Rendezvous in the western part of what is now the United States were a bit different. They had more kinds of activities than the ones in Canada. Several fur trading companies, many fur traders, mountain men, and Native American tribes would come together. A lot of trading and deal-making happened at these meetings.
These rendezvous often became like a temporary "town." There were businesses where fur traders and other participants could spend their money on supplies or enjoy themselves. The most famous type was the large annual rendezvous held in the Rocky Mountains from 1825 to 1840. One of the biggest was the Rendezvous of 1832. Many of the people who attended these were mountain men. These were fur traders who were very good at living in the wild mountains.
Modern Rendezvous
Today, historical fur trade rendezvous are the inspiration for modern gatherings. Some of these, like those held by buckskinners, are historical re-enactments. This means people dress up and act like people from the past. Other modern rendezvous are not re-enactments but are inspired by parts of the old historical meetings.
