1. Minnesota History
Unit 1
The Voyageurs

2. The Fur Trade Started in 1600’s by the French, English & Dutch
Driven by the demand for furs in Europe
Beaver, mink, otter, muskrat, marten, fox, fisher, bear, deer, wolf, wolverine, & others

5. The St. Lawrence Valley
The French came here looking for the Northwest Passage
High quality furs found in the New World became a symbol of prestige
They expanded west to the Great Lakes and beyond to the Pacific
French success brought competition

6. The style of hat worn by European gentlemen

7. Native Americans Most Europeans traded with natives at first
The Natives trapped the animals
Glass beads, iron tools & gunpowder were popular trade items
The Ojibwa & Dakota were the main culture groups in Minnesota

8. The Voyageur means “traveler” in French
In America it meant “canoeman of the fur trade”

9. Characteristics Strong, courageous Short, stocky Colorful clothes
Paddled to rhythm of songs
3 classes of voyageur

12. Porkeaters Canoed from Montreal to Grand Portage
Named for diet of peas, corn and pork fat
14-18 hour days paddling & portaging
Montreal Canoes

13. Montreal Canoe

15. NorWester Spent winter trading in North Country
Carried 90 lb bales of furs to Grand Portage for Porkeaters
Lots of paddling and portaging
North Canoes

16. North Canoe

18. Coureurs de bois “wood runner” Independent trapper & trader
Not licensed by gov’t
Sold their furs to company post

20. The Rendezvous
Meeting of voyageurs at Grand Portage & other sites in summer
Exchanges furs for trade goods
Party
Voyageurs competed for fun
Grand Portage National Monument

21. Grand Portage National Monument