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Minnesota History Unit 1 The Voyageurs
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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
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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
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The style of hat worn by European gentlemen
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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
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The Voyageur means “traveler” in French
In America it meant “canoeman of the fur trade”
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Characteristics Strong, courageous Short, stocky Colorful clothes
Paddled to rhythm of songs 3 classes of voyageur
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Porkeaters Canoed from Montreal to Grand Portage
Named for diet of peas, corn and pork fat 14-18 hour days paddling & portaging Montreal Canoes
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Montreal Canoe
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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
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North Canoe
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Coureurs de bois “wood runner” Independent trapper & trader
Not licensed by gov’t Sold their furs to company post
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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
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Grand Portage National Monument
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