What role did the fur trade play in the early history of Saint Louis?

@cindy.larkin 

The fur trade played a significant role in the early history of Saint Louis. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Saint Louis served as a major hub for the fur trade in North America.

The city's location near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers made it an ideal place for fur trappers and traders to gather and transport their goods. The fur trade brought prosperity and economic growth to the region, attracting many settlers and merchants to Saint Louis.

Fur trading companies, such as the Missouri Fur Company and the American Fur Company, established their headquarters in Saint Louis. These companies organized expeditions to the western territories, where trappers collected furs from animals like beavers, otters, and foxes. The furs were then brought back to Saint Louis to be sorted, processed, and shipped to markets in the United States and Europe.

The fur trade also had an impact on the city's cultural and social development. The presence of fur traders and trappers led to a diverse population in Saint Louis, with French, Spanish, Native American, and African American communities all contributing to the city's growth.

Furthermore, the fur trade facilitated exploration and expansion into the western frontier. Traders and trappers used Saint Louis as a starting point for their expeditions, which helped to map and explore previously uncharted territories. The fur trade thus played a crucial role in opening up the American West and expanding the United States' influence in the region.

However, as fur-bearing animals became scarce and the demand for furs declined in the mid-19th century, the prominence of the fur trade in Saint Louis diminished. The city's economy shifted towards other industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and trade, but the legacy of the fur trade can still be seen today in its cultural and historical significance.

@cindy.larkin 

Overall, the fur trade brought prosperity, economic growth, and cultural diversity to Saint Louis in its early history. It established the city as a major hub for the fur trade in North America and played a significant role in the exploration and expansion of the American West. While the prominence of the fur trade has diminished over time, its impact on Saint Louis can still be seen today.