Three Forks in Gallatin County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Fur Trade
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 27, 2021
1. Fur Trade Marker
Caption: Manuel Lisa
Lewis and Clark had barely returned to the East when, spurred by their reports of vast numbers of beaver, Manuel Lisa formed the Missouri Fur Company. Recruiting several veterans of the Expedition - John Colter, George Drouillard, John Potts and Reuben Fields - along with other trappers, Lisa established a fur post on the Big Horn, and next, in 1810, at the Three Forks. His monopoly of the fur trade was destroyed by the War of 1812 and by Indian hostility. In the 1820's and 1830's, two other fur companies (Rocky Mountain and American) continued to trap in the Headwaters region employing men whose names were to become legendary: Jim Bridger, Kit Carson, Jim Beckwourth, Jedediah Smith. By the 1840's, however, the beaver in this area had been trapped to near extinction, and silk hats
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce.
Location. 45° 53.798′ N, 111° 33.085′ W. Marker is in Three Forks, Montana, in Gallatin County. Marker is at the intersection of North Main Street (State Highway 2) and Cottonwood, on the left when traveling north on North Main Street. The marker is near Three Forks Chamber of
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Native Americans (here, next to this marker); European Interest in the Missouri (here, next to this marker); Louisiana Purchase - 1803 (here, next to this marker); Lewis & Clark Arrive at the Headwaters July, 1805 (here, next to this marker); The Fur Trapper (here, next to this marker); Colter's Run 1808 (here, next to this marker); Three Forks Post - 1810 (here, next to this marker); Sacajawea Captured in 1800 (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Three Forks.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 27, 2021
2. Markers located next to the Three Forks Chamber of Commerce.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 28, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 73 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 28, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
