Pelts and palisades: The story of fur and the rivalry for pelts in early America - Nathaniel C. Hale

By
Nathaniel C. Hale

RICHMOND, VA.
THE DIETZ PRESS, INCORPORATED

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

To My Grandchildren

Preface

The story of fur is as old as the story of man. Some brief account of ancient man’s quest for fur is included in the beginning of this book. However, the main narrative is concerned with the rivalry for pelts in early America.

The discoverers of our country came here looking for gold. They found it in fur. After that the fur trade formed the pattern of exploration, trade and settlement. It sustained the colonies along the Atlantic seaboard until they could be rooted in agriculture and it was a controlling factor in the westward movement of our population.