Three Forks in Gallatin County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

The Fur Trapper

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 27, 2021

1. The Fur Trapper Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Clad in buckskin, the trapper carried with him his knives, gunpowder and lead. a Hawken rifle, perhaps a pipe and a book. Except for flour and salt, he lived entirely off the land. He did his trapping in the spring and fall. During the summer, trappers would gather at the annual rendezvous to exchange the season's catch for supplies. In winter the trapper would take refuge in whatever shelter he could find, passing the time by curing and tanning skins, making clothes for next year. Popular history has surrounded the mountain man with glory and adventure, but reality was often short rations, bitter cold boredom and even sudden death.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • 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 (Highway 2) and Cottonwood, on the left when traveling north on North Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 110 North Main Street, Three Forks MT 59752, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this

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marker. Native Americans (here, next to this marker); European Interest in the Missouri (here, next to this marker); Fur Trade (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); 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.

Additional keywords. Rugged Individuals

Markers located next to the Three Forks Chamber of Commerce. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 27, 2021

2. Markers located next to the Three Forks Chamber of Commerce.

Mountain Man statue at Pinedale, WY image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 8, 2021

3. Mountain Man statue at Pinedale, WY

Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 1, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 65 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 1, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.