Birchbark Brigade: A Fur Trade History

by Cris Peterson

A history of the North American fur trade, based on primary sources. The North American fur trade, set in motion by the discovery of the New World in the fifteenth century, was this continent's biggest business for over three hundred years. Furs harvested by Ojibwa natives in the north woods ended up on the sleeves and hems of French princesses and Chinese emperors. Felt hats on the heads of every European businessman began as beaver pelts carried in birchbark canoes to trading posts dotting the wilderness. Iron tools, woolen blankets, and calico cloth manufactured in England found their way to wigwams along the remote rivers of North America. The fur trade influenced every aspect of life—from how Europeans related to the Indians, how and where settlements were built, to how our nation formed. Drawing on primary sources, including the diaries of Ojibwa, American, and French traders of the period, this Society of School Librarians International Honor Book gives readers a glimpse of a little-known story from our past.

Genres: Nonfiction

136 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2009

About the author

Cris Peterson is the author of ten books for children, including Century Farm: One Hundred Years on a Family Farm; Horsepower: The Wonder of Draft Horses; and Harvest Year. She has been honored by dairy and agricultural organizations across the country, both for her writing for children and her contribution to a clearer understanding of farming in the United States.

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating overview of the North American fur trade with great primary sources included throughout. Ideal for grades 5-8, but would be useful as a resource for older students as well. Definitely will revisit in a few years with my younger kids who missed it this time around.

[Eyani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good overview for a general interest reader could be used in a high school social studies classroom.

[Christy K. Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource with great pictures, easy to read & interesting. I especially loved the vivid account of the voyageurs.

[Phoebe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well laid out, concisely written history of the fur trade, beginning with Columbus' discovery of the New World. Fairly extensive at 115 pages, kids reading for pleasure may balk after awhile, but report writers will find an excellent resource. 5th grade and up.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific little history of the fur trade. Mountain men are one of my many obsessions, but this book concentrates on a different time and place (18th-century Canada) than the Jim Bridger / Jed Smith sagas I'm used to.

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this to prepare for the Northern Tier canoe trip.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was easy to read and informative. It verified much of the information I've learned over the years of visits to the North West Company Fur Post in Pine City, Minnesota.