The Fur Traders
HE Beaver and the Fur Traders played an important part in the early development of the Oregon country.
Following closely the exploration by Lewis and Clark, the Astor Expedition undertook an enterprise of great moment at Astoria. This was quickly ended however by competition and chicanery.
The North-West Company, which accomplished the downfall of the Astors, soon found a strong competitor in the Hudson's Bay Company—the nucleus and the conservators of British interests on the Pacific Coast.
Frequent clashes occurred between the men employed by the Canadian and the English Companies. The British Government practically commanded the warring factions to reach some satisfactory agreement, and as a result the Hudson's Bay Company absorbed the North-West Company.
Fortunately for American interests Dr. McLoughlin was placed in charge of the Hudson's Bay post, which he established at Fort Vancouver.
Dr. McLoughlin stands out as the pioneer of pioneers. He was large in body, mind, and soul. He understood the North American Indians and ruled them wisely and well. In the selection of Fort Vancouver as the base of his operations, he showed great insight, for it was the center of Indian life west of the Cascade Range, and in close touch with all Indians between the Cascade and the Rocky Mountains in the Columbia River Basin. Vancouver was at the head of navigation for ocean going vessels, which met the Montreal Express laden with furs. On the return trip the Montreal Express[1] took into the interior articles for barter and exchange.
Dr. McLoughlin was the first Hudson's Bay factor to undertake the cultivation of the soil and the raising of poultry, cattle and hogs. Heretofore grain and other produce had been sent out from England to supply the different trading posts.
- ↑ Leaving Montreal in May the Express came through the Great Lakes by steamer, then up the Canadian rivers to the headwaters of the Saskatchewan, crossing the Rocky Mountains before the snows of winter fell. This company of hardy men numbering sixty souls then descended the great Columbia River to Fort Vancouver.
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