Trading Forts

An American trapper, Nathaniel Wyeth, built Fort Hall (near Pocatello, Idaho) in 1834.

In its quest for control of the West, the British-owned Hudson Bay Company established Fort Boise (near Parma, Idaho) in the Oregon Country seen on the map.

Both forts were buying beaver pelts because they were a sought after commodity during the 18th and 19th centuries. In exchange for the pelts, trappers received provisions, traps, tobacco, and trinkets.

The trinkets were needed for further trading with the Native Americans residing in the Idaho area. Two spoonfuls of glass beads were commonly traded for a large beaver pelt.