Fur Trading

The Fur Trade in Minnesota: An Introductory Guide to Manuscript Sources

White, Bruce M
This resource guide presents specific manuscript sources, found in the collections of the Minnesota Historical Society, related to the fur trade in Minnesota including the Minnesota River Valley. A listing of additional collections is appended, as well as a roster of fur traders from 1795-1822.

Citadel in the Wilderness: The Story of Fort Snelling and the Old Northwest Frontier

Jones, Evan
This book explores the history of Fort Snelling and the major individuals and events associated with it, drawing on primary sources such as the writings of Taliaferro, Beltrami, Leavenworth, and Snelling. The author discusses such issues as interactions between the military and American Indian tribes, the role of the fort in fur trading, and missionary activities. Lists of sources for each chapter are provided, and drawings illustrate the text.

Martin McLeod and the Minnesota Valley

Ritchey , Charles J
This article recounts the experiences of Martin McLeod, fur trader and politician, in the Minnesota Valley in the nineteenth century. Beginning with the 1837 trip during which McLeod almost died trying to follow the explorer Long's map, the author goes on to report McLeod's fur trading at Traverse des Sioux, Big Stone Lake, and Lac Qui Parle. Additional discussion covers McLeod's political experiences, including several terms in the territorial legislature where he sponsored the bill to change the name of the St. Peter's River back to "Minnesota."
Subscribe to Fur Trading