An Assessment of the Valuable Contributions and Abilities of African Americans Associated with the North American Fur Trade in the Trans-Mississippi West and Great Lakes Region from 1720-1840.

Abstract

The goal of this paper will be to contend the reason African American fur traders were often included in fur trading parties was due to their linguistic abilities and cultural influence with Native American populations. This can especially be seen in the Trans-Mississippi West and Great Lakes region of North America from 1720-1840. Research methods include but are not limited to primary/secondary sources, letters, maps, journal, and diaries. The findings will show specific examples of African American contributions to fur trading parties via individual case studies.