Willamette Trading Post

In this article, we will approach Willamette Trading Post from different perspectives, with the purpose of offering a comprehensive and enriching vision of this topic or character. Along the following lines, we will explore its importance in today's society, as well as its impact in various areas, such as culture, economy, politics and daily life. In addition, we will delve into its evolution over time, its historical relevance and its influence in different contexts. Through detailed analysis, we aim to provide a deeper and more critical understanding of Willamette Trading Post, in order to encourage constructive and informed reflection on this topic or character.

"Willamette Post" redirects here; not to be confused with Willamette Stone.
Marker introduces the historical trading post

The Willamette Trading Post or Willamette Fur Post was a fur trade facility owned by the North West Company established near the Willamette River in what would become the French Prairie in Oregon Country. Established around 1813 in what is now the state of Oregon in the United States, the post was a small fur station where trappers working in the Willamette Valley could exchange their pelts and hides for other trade goods.

Founding

This trade outpost was established around 1813 by the North West Company, a British owned fur trading concern.[1] It was built southeast of the current city of Newberg on the eastern shore (or southern due to an east-west stretch of the river at this location) of the Willamette River.[1] The location was a few miles west of Champoeg.[1]

Operations

Built as a trade depot, the post was used by the North West Company for trading and as a game relay spot in support of their main outpost Fort George at the mouth of the Columbia River.[2] In 1821, the North West Company was merged into the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) and the HBC took control of the fur post.[1] The HBC then used the facility as a rendezvous point for their traders forming fur brigades before traveling to points to the south.[2]

The Willamette Trading Post remained in use until the mid-1830s.[1] In later years, former North West Company and HBC employee Pierre Belleque settled a land claim and began farming at the site around 1833.[2] He lived in the former building for a time, as his wife was related to an HBC officer.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Corning, Howard M. Dictionary of Oregon History. Binfords & Mort Publishing, 1956. pp. 267-268
  2. ^ a b c d Chapman, J. S. (1993). French Prairie Ceramics: The Harriet D. Munnick Archaeological Collection, Circa 1820-1860: A Catalog and Northwest Comparative Guide. Anthropology Northwest, no. 8. Corvallis, Or: Dept. of Anthropology, Oregon State University. p. 9.

45°15′54″N 122°56′43″W / 45.2651°N 122.9454°W / 45.2651; -122.9454