This exhibit tells the story of
explorers, trappers, and mountain men, whose movement
through the area opened up the west to the pioneers.
Explorers, such as Stephen H. Long, Zebulon Pike,
Dominguez and Escalante, came through Colorado on their
way to find gold or as part of a military expedition.
Trappers and Mountain Men were part of
the quest for money and exploitation of the natural
resources to the west of what was then the United
States. Some famous trappers of the day include Jim
Beckworth, Jim Baker, and Kit Carson. These seasoned men
hunted and trapped in the Rocky Mountains and along the
many rivers of the area. Pelts, especially those from
beaver, were shipped back east to be used for a variety
of things, including clothing. On exhibit are a coat and
top hat made from beaver. A successful trapper in good
beaver country often took a beaver in every trap, which
could be up to a dozen skins a day.
The fur trade in the Rocky Mountains
lasted about 15 years from 1820 to 1835. Near extinction
of the beaver and changes in hat styles began the
decline of the fur trading industry.
Merchants seeking to take part in the
fur trade set up forts and trading posts along the major
rivers in Colorado. Trade along the Arkansas was
monopolized by the St. Vrain and Bent venture, otherwise
known as Bent’s Fort. By 1840 Ceran St. Vrain and the
Bent brothers amassed a territory which extended as far
north as Wyoming and Nebraska and included western
Kansas, most of Colorado, eastern Utah, northern New
Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Along the Platte River, four forts were
established. Fort Vasquez, founded in 1835 by Louis
Vasquez, was a short lived venture with the fort closing
in 1842. Fort Jackson was founded by the American Fur
Company in 1837. After the beaver became scarce, the
fort traded buffalo hides with the Cheyenne and Arapaho.
The third fort along the Platte was Fort Lupton, founded
by Lancaster Lupton in 1837. Lupton sought to increase
his territory and expanded to include a fort along the
North Platte as well. Expansion was the reason Fort St.
Vrain was founded in 1836. William Bent and Ceran St.
Vrain placed St. Vrain’s younger brother Marcellian in
charge of what was essentially the northern extension of
Bent’s Fort.
Do you know what an Arkansas Toothpick
is? How about Dumpling Dust or Buffalo Cider? Come visit
this new exhibit to find out.
