Great Lakes Fur Trade

[RangerThacher]

I've been living in Michigan for about 5 years now, and although my main historical interest is 17th and 18th centuries New England, I've decided it's time for me to learn more about the 18th century Great Lakes Fur Trade, especially in Michigan. I've been to Fort Michilimackinac and read a bit about it's history especially during Pontiac's Rebellion, and I've studied the history and archaeology of Fort St. Joseph in Niles, MI. I've been out of reenacting/trekking for a few years, and have married a born and raised Michigan girl who's interested in getting into reenacting with me. Since we're in MI, I reckon I might as well learn what I can about the 18th century history of MI and possibly even portray this while reenacting. But I'm having some trouble finding any history books on the Great Lakes Fur Trade or Michigan Fur Trade. What I'm really interested in right now is the post 1760 period once the British got involved out here. So I'm asking those folks more knowledgable in this area and period for any suggestions on good books I might be able to pick up from amazon and read over the winter. Any suggestions?

 

[RangerThacher]

Ok, after an extensive search on Amazon, here's what I've come up with so far. These are the few I found that looked like they might be at least some what related to my topic of interest.

"The Canadian Frontier, 1534-1760" by W. J. Eccles.

"The Voyageur" by Grace Lee Nute.

"The Remarkable History of the Hudson's Bay Company" by George Bryce.

Has anyone read these? Any more recommendations?

 

I liked 'Where Two Worlds Meet". It had a real good thread from the manufacturer of goods to the consumer and back with the furs, both directions. It is more of a 19th century fur trade book but it IS Great Lakes area specific and does cover part of the 18th century.

 

Also, if you can get a hold of the narratives of John Tanner and also Alexander Henry, those are really neat reads to read back to back. Same area but one is from the traders' point of view and the other from the NDN point of view. They both even mention some of the same people and occurences.

 

[RangerThacher]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll look those up.

 

[Russianblood]

A great book that is first hand (primary resource) is "Attack at Michilimackinac" by Alexander Henry. He was one of the first English traders to venture into the Northwest Territory after the French and Indian War. You can get it directly from Ft. Michilimackinac for under $10.

 

I read a book years ago when I was in college concerning the old Northwest edited by William Seno called Up Country: Voices from the Old Northwest. Great book that has translations of original French accounts from several people including Radisson, Marquette, and others. Stuff about very early travels in what is now northern Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, etc. Heck of a read. I still get the willies remembering it now. Last place I saw it cited was by Ted Belue in his chapter on NDN influenced woodsmen in the BOB series. They've got it on ABE books, used for $5-20. Might have to pick up another copy.

Here's a link:[url] http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?y=9&tn=voices+from+the+"up+country"&x=17[/url]

Sean

 

[Russianblood]

I read a book years ago when I was in college concerning the old Northwest edited by William Seno called Up Country: Voices from the Old Northwest. Great book that has translations of original French accounts from several people including Radisson, Marquette, and others. Stuff about very early travels in what is now northern Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, etc. Heck of a read. I still get the willies remembering it now. Last place I saw it cited was by Ted Belue in his chapter on NDN influenced woodsmen in the BOB series. They've got it on ABE books, used for $5-20. Might have to pick up another copy.

Here's a link:[url] http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?y=9&tn=voices+from+the+"up+country"&x=17[/url]

Sean

I went ahead and ordered that book (from your link). I should have it by next week. Thanks! :thumbsup:

 

[RangerThacher]

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. :hatsoff: I ended up ordering two books for now, I'll get more in the future. The two I got were "The Canadian Frontier, 1534-1760" by Eccles and "Up Country: Voices from the Great Lakes Wilderness" by Seno. Just waiting for them to arrive now.

 

Hope you guys enjoy that Seno book. I don't remember a lot of it, but the story of Raddison among the La Coute Orrille (god, that's horrible spelling) was great. I ran around a lot of that country for a few summers when I was in high school. Also the description of Marquette on the Illinois River reminds me a lot of 'Heart of Darkness'.

Sean

 

[redriverclerk]

I found Grace Lee Nute's books good. She had at least two (if memory serves). "Toast to the Fur Trade" (I think that's the title) is a very-easy-to-read book that is useful. I always intended on memorizing the Beaver Club's toast in the intro. Never have. "The Fist in the Wilderness" is about John Jacob Astor and deals with later fur trade in the region. Didn't care much for the book, though. It was more like reading a text for college.